Nuclear imaging

Nuclear imaging allows your doctor to see pictures of your organs to determine how well they are functioning and to detect conditions such as tumors, infections, bone fractures, arthritis and blood flow problems. You are given a special agent or medication, called a radioactive material, either by mouth or through a vein. As the radioactive material collects in the organ or body part being studied, a camera detects the material and produces detailed pictures of that area. The type of material used and the time it takes for the imaging to be completed can vary widely, depending on which parts of your body are being tested. The radioactive material can take several seconds to several days to accumulate in the organs being studied. Any instructions prior to procedure or after being dosed with the radioactive material will be explained by the technologist.

Norton Healthcare locations offering nuclear imaging:

• Kosair Children’s Hospital
• Norton Audubon Hospital
• Norton Hospital
• Norton Suburban Hospital

Print a fact sheet about how to prepare for an exam and what you should expect during nuclear imaging.