Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat various diseases, and doctors analyze how these materials accumulate in the body to evaluate organ function. Because the tracers target specific biological processes, they offer detailed insights that other imaging methods might miss. Here is more information about innovations in nuclear medicine:
Gastric Emptying Study
A gastric emptying study measures the speed at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. Patients typically consume a meal mixed with a tiny amount of radioactive material, and a special camera tracks its movement through the digestive system. Because it reveals functional issues rather than just structural problems, this test helps doctors diagnose conditions such as gastroparesis or dumping syndrome.
Glomerular Filtration Rate
Your kidneys filter waste from your blood, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test determines how well they perform this task. Medical professionals inject a solution into the bloodstream, and they collect blood samples to measure how quickly the kidneys clear the tracer. This measurement provides a precise assessment of kidney function, which helps stage kidney disease.
While simple blood tests estimate function based on creatinine levels, a nuclear medicine GFR test offers a direct measurement. This accuracy matters when patients require precise dosing of medications that the kidneys process. Doctors rely on these specific numbers to tailor treatment plans effectively.
Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans detect metabolic activity in body tissues using a radioactive substance called a tracer. The scanner detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by the tracer, and a computer constructs 3D images of tracer concentration within the body. These scans help identify changes before physical changes become visible on CT or MRI scans.
Doctors might combine PET scans with CT scans to create a more comprehensive view of the body’s internal workings. The combined PET/CT scan merges metabolic information with anatomical details, which allows for precise localization of abnormalities. This fusion helps oncologists determine the exact stage of cancer and monitor how well a treatment works.
Researchers continue to develop new tracers, and these target specific receptors on cancer cells. By using these specialized tracers, physicians visualize not just the tumor’s location but also its molecular characteristics. This level of detail guides the selection of targeted therapies that work well for an individual’s specific disease profile.
Bone and Thyroid Scans
Bone scans detect areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism, which may indicate injury, infection, or metastatic disease. The radioactive tracer accumulates in areas where bone cells are active, and the camera captures these “hot spots” clearly. This imaging technique identifies problems like stress fractures days or weeks before standard X-rays show them.
Thyroid scans evaluate the structure and function of the thyroid gland.
- Determines the cause of hyperthyroidism
- Assesses thyroid nodules
- Detects ectopic thyroid tissue
The patient swallows a capsule containing radioactive iodine or receives an injection, and the thyroid absorbs this material over time. After taking the capsule, the resulting images show how well the gland functions and reveal the size of any nodules present.
Find Nuclear Medicine Services
Nuclear medicine provides specific data that helps your healthcare team create a personalized care plan. If you need diagnostic imaging, ask your doctor about the availability of these specialized tests at your local medical center. Reach out to a radiology department near you to schedule an appointment or learn more about these procedures.
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