Nuclear Medicine

Through small amounts of radioactive material, Nuclear Medicine can help diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions, such as cancer, gallbladder disease, heart disease, Coronary Artery Disease, arthritis, and infection. Because only tiny amounts of short-lived radioactive materials are used, it is a safe and effective medical procedure. The procedure carries about the same risk as a common x-ray.

You also have the added comfort of knowing that, at Reno Diagnostic Centers, we adhere to strict safety standards.

There are four basic steps involved in this procedure:

1. You are given a radioactive isotope (compound called a radiopharmaceutical). Depending on the body part to be examined, the isotope is injected, swallowed or inhaled.
2. The isotope travels through your body giving off energy in the form of gamma rays, which shows the location of the isotope in your body.
3. The gamma cameras are tools used to take pictures and to measure the organ functioning. A computer then processes the information to produce images of your body.
4. These images are then studied and interpreted by a radiologist and a report is sent to your physician. The information acquired in a nuclear medicine study is combined with the results of general x-rays or other tests that you have received, in order to obtain a comprehensive analysis of your condition.