Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and sometimes treat disease.

Nuclear medicine can deliver accurate images of specific areas of the body, provide valuable information about how your body is working, and allow certain forms of therapy to help fight some diseases.

Nuclear medicine is safe and effective.

Nuclear medicine carries about the same risk as a common x-ray. Only small amounts of short-lived radioactive material are used.It can detect a wide variety of conditions and illnesses, such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer and infection.

How does nuclear medicine work?

Nuclear medicine works by giving the patient a radioactive material called an isotope. Depending on the test, the material may be given by injection or through a vein (intravenously, or IV), or by capsules, liquid, special tubing, or inhalation. Depending on the method used, the isotope travels to targeted areas of the body. The isotope gives off energy called gamma rays, which is a special form of radiation that can only be seen by special cameras and equipment. The equipment itself does not give off radiation. A Hurley physician who specializes in nuclear medicine physician reviews pictures and readings taken by the equipment, and results are sent to your physician. Your physician will review the results with you.