Nuclear Medicine

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a branch of radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive substances, called radionuclides or tracers, to image and examine a patient's organs, trace processes in the body, or destroy diseased cells. The radionuclides are given either by mouth or into a vein. Imaging of the body or organ(s) of interest is then performed with specialized cameras.

SSR Radiologists interpret the following nuclear medicine exams

  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT scans)
  • Bone Scans
  • Lung Ventilation/Perfusion Scans
  • Hepatobiliary Scans (with gallbladder ejection fraction, if needed)
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
  • Radionuclide Ventriculography (MUGA)
  • Bleeding Scans
  • Thyroid Scans (and uptake determinations)
  • Iodine-131 radiotherapy for thyroid disorders and malignancy
  • Renal Scans
  • Gastric Emptying Scans
  • Parathyroid Scans
  • White Blood Cell Scans
  • Liver-Spleen Scans
  • MIBG Scans

Patient Preparation

Generally, nuclear medicine procedures do not require special preparation. However, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare, including any changes that need to be made to your regular medication schedule. Please refer to Schedule an Appointment (below) for information about who to contact regarding your specific exam preparation.

Exam

All nuclear medicine procedures are performed by South Sound Radiologists at SSR’s affiliated hospitals. When scheduling a procedure, be sure to check with your referring clinician to see where your exam has been referred.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your clinician given you an order or referral for a nuclear medicine procedure? Depending on where your referral has been sent, contact one of the following locations to schedule an appointment and review exam preparation instructions.

St. Peter Hospital: 360-493-7457
Capital Medical Center: 360-704-4750
Providence Western Washington Oncology: 360-754-3934

Because these procedures are not performed at our office location, online scheduling through SSR is not available.

More Information?

For more information about nuclear medicine procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.