What is nuclear medicine?
Nuclear medicine involves a small injection or the swallowing of radioactive material, known as radiopharmaceutical which concentrates in the organ that is being examined to help doctors to identify any abnormalities. Helping to diagnosis and treat disease.
A gamma camera is used to detect the radioactive substance and then displays this as a picture on a computer screen.
Is there a radiation risk?
Staff are trained in radiation safety procedures and the smallest possible dose needed to get the best results will be used.
Any radioactivity will quickly be eliminated from your body and there are usually no reactions or side-effects. The benefits of having a nuclear medicine scan outweighs the risk to your health and your doctor will discuss whether this procedure is right for you.
