Nuclear Medicine (NM)

NM imaging is a safe process that uses small amounts of radioactive materials to provide specific and detailed information on diagnosing of the medical problems related to the organ in the body. At MMCSC, we perform diagnostic procedures in Nuclear Medicine by using very small amounts of radioactive material which is very safe for our patients. The amount of radiation that a person receives during the nuclear imaging procedure is less than the amount of radiation received from a diagnostic X-ray.

The radioactive material compound used as a tracer is designed to be attracted to the specific organ being tested. Most tracers are passed quickly from the body through normal bodily functions. We encourage our patients to drink plenty of water or liquids after an examination that will help eliminate the tracer more quickly. NM imaging uses a combination of small amounts of radioactive-tracer and very sensitive camera technology to provide detailed information on an organ specific areas in the body. The radioactive- tracer enables the Radiologist to detect and diagnose the disease at the very early stage of the development.

Preparation

Most nuclear medicine tests require no special preparation.

If preparation is required, patients are notified prior to the test by our schedulers.

How Long Will the Scan Take?

Depending on the type of exam time will vary and patients may be required to return for additional images. This information will be explained to the patient during the scheduling prior to the test.

What to Expect During the Exam

The NM technologist will explain the exam to the patient prior to starting the exam. Depending on the part of the body to be imaged, the patient will receive either an intravenous injection or swallow a capsule. The waiting period ranges from 20 minutes to 3 hours as this compound travels through the body. When you are ready, the technologist will ask you to lie on an examination table and get comfortable with a camera placed above you. Warm blankets are always offered and most patients will nod off while the scan is being performed. We also offer a varied selection of CD’s you may choose to listen to while you are on the table.

What the Patient Should Tell Their Doctor

Patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or nursing their child. Their physician may recommend a different type of diagnostic test.

What We Offer in NM Imaging

There are different types of test available some of which include:

  • Bone scans to evaluate orthopedic injuries, fractures, tumors or unexplained bone pain.

  • Heart scans to identify blood flow function to the heart muscle or determine existence or extent of damage to the heart after a heart attack.

  • Thyroid uptake scans to show structure and determine the function of the thyroid gland.

  • Lung scans to evaluate the flow and function of air into and out of the lungs and detect presence of blood clots.

  • Gallbladder (Hepatobiliary) scans to evaluate both liver and gallbladder function. This test can also determine the presence of gallstones that can cause obstruction.

Getting Your Results

Your Nuclear Medicine images will be analyzed by a radiologist, a physician who specializes in NM testing. The radiologist will send a signed report which includes an interpretation of the image to your primary physician. Your physician will receive your results soon after. At MMCSC we also offer our patients a free copy of their exam on CD to share with their physicians.

Our Team of Specialists

Our board certified Radiologists are specially trained to use radioactive material, diagnose and interpret the images. The NM technologists are specially trained in the theory and practice of nuclear medicine procedures and administer the tracer and operate the equipment used in the test. The technologists are board certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The MMCSC Department physicist monitors the dosage in accordance to both State and Federal Laws. The department of NM is fully accredited by the NJ Environmental Protection Radiation Safety Department.