What does a doctor of nuclear medicine do?
A doctor of nuclear medicine, also called a nuclear medicine radiologist, is a doctor who uses radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat various diseases in the body.
Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive materials that emit radioactivity, allowing nuclear doctors to visualize your body’s organs using specialized imaging equipment.
Nuclear medicine radiologists perform scans using radiopharmaceuticals. Brain, breast, tumor, thyroid, bone, heart, blood, lung, renal, and gastrointestinal are among the most common types of scans that these doctors conduct. In addition to testing for conditions, nuclear medicine doctors may treat some types of cancer with radiopharmaceuticals.
What is a nuclear medicine visit?
A nuclear medicine visit is a medical appointment during which your physician administers a test or treatment using radioactive material. They administer a small dose of radioactive material, known as a tracer, through injection, oral pill, or inhalation.
Next, you undergo a scanning procedure of your affected area. Scans typically require you to lay still while a special camera takes pictures of your body. These pictures show the physician the condition of your organs and help them to detect abnormalities. Following the scan, your provider will discuss the results and treatment options.
How do you prepare for a nuclear medicine exam?
To prepare for your nuclear medicine exam, you may want to make a list of questions to ask your provider. These might include:
- Will I be radioactive after my procedure?
- How much radioactive material will I be exposed to?
- What are the side effects of my procedure?
- When will I find out the results of my scan?
Before your exam, you may also want to check your health insurance coverage to ensure your procedure is covered. Ask your insurance company if they require documentation of referral and what nuclear medicine procedures your plan covers.
During your nuclear medicine exam, you prepare by removing jewelry or clothing that may interfere with the scan. You may be asked to change your diet or fast before the procedure in some cases.
How long does a nuclear medicine exam take?
Nuclear medicine exams can take several hours to complete. Nuclear scans typically take between 30 to 60 minutes; however, the time you spend in the exam room and clinic is much longer. Some radiopharmaceuticals, like those for bone scans, take two to three hours to absorb, and MUGA scans can take around three hours to perform.
Where do nuclear medicine physicians work?
Nuclear medicine physicians work in hospitals, private radiology clinics, and other medical facilities in which they play an active role in diagnosing and treating patient conditions. They also work in research centers and universities. They typically perform radiology-related research or lab testing in these settings rather than actively treat patients.
What ailments are typically diagnosed and treated with nuclear medicine procedures?
Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose a wide range of conditions. These include:
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers
- Internal bleeding
- Organ function
- Parkinson’s disease
- Hyperthyroidism/Hypothyroidism
- Bone metastases
- Hematologic malignancies
Nuclear medicine is most helpful in detecting and treating internal diseases that are difficult to identify with other testing methods. The radioactive material allows physicians to see inside the body to track organ functioning and identify otherwise hidden areas of concern.
