Nuclear Medicine

Expect detailed images that can detect diseases as early as possible when you receive a nuclear medicine exam at AnMed. Instead of using radiation from a machine, these procedures deliver slightly radioactive material into your body to reveal what’s happening inside.

Accredited, High-Quality Care

Feel confident knowing we have advanced equipment and highly trained staff to ensure your safety and accurate test results. AnMed North Campus holds accreditation in nuclear medicine from the American College of Radiology.

Why Do I Need a Nuclear Medicine Exam?

You may receive an order for a nuclear medicine procedure to:

  • Check how well your heart, lungs, brain or another organ works 
  • Evaluate blood flow through a certain area of the body
  • Look for problems in your bones and joints
  • See where cancer or another disease has spread 
  • Assess how well treatment is working 

Contact Us

If you receive a referral for an imaging test, your doctor’s office will schedule the exam for you. Call the AnMed location where your test will take place if you have a question or need to reschedule.

Before Your Test 

To make sure your test goes smoothly, follow the instructions you’ll receive after making your appointment for the exam. If you have any questions about how to prepare, call the AnMed location where your scan is scheduled. 

Radiotracer

You’ll receive a slightly radioactive material called a radiotracer either shortly before the test or up to a few days prior. Most likely, a health professional will deliver it by injection. But for some tests, you may swallow a liquid or breathe in a gas.

The radiotracer travels to a certain part of your body, where it gives off gamma rays that a special camera captures and turns into images.

During the Exam

You’ll lie on a narrow table that slides into the PET scanner. The gamma camera will either remain still or move around you as it takes pictures of your organs, bones or tissues. Depending on the goal of your exam, you may need to come back over several days for more scans. 

Getting Your Results

Test results will likely appear in your MyChart patient portal within 24 hours of your final scan. You may see them before your doctor has a chance to review and explain them. Reach out to your doctor with any questions about next steps.