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Nuclear
Medicine is a special type of radiology. These tests provide images
(pictures) of the inside of your body and how it functions. The
images are made by energy given off from a radioactive substance
you are given by mouth or in your vein. You will receive the same
amount of radiation as you would with a standard x-ray. Your doctor
can use these images to detect disease such as tumors, infection,
or other disorders. Nuclear Medicine can be used to diagnose problems
with your…
• Kidneys
• Blood flow and heart
• Lungs
• Gallbladder
• Broken bones, Arthritis
• Cancer
• Thyroid
You may be asked not to eat or drink for 12 hours. You may also
be asked by your doctor to stop taking some of your medication(s)
for 48 hours up to 6 weeks before your test. If the test is being
done to look at your kidneys, you may need to drink plenty of water.
Your referring doctor will talk with you about how you should prepare.
If you are diabetic, pregnant or taking daily medication(s), please
tell your doctor and the radiologist.
*
Be sure to ask your doctor how you should adjust your medications
on the day of the exam.
*
If you are diabetic, you must review with your doctor or nurse how
to adjust your medications and diet for the day of the procedure.
At
the time of your test, you will be given a small dose of radioactive
material in your vein or by mouth. This substance, called a radiopharmaceutical
or tracer, collects in the organ and gives off energy. A special
camera along with a computer uses this energy to create an image
of your organs and tissues.
You
may be given a medication and asked to return later that same day
for the exam. Depending on the type of test your are having, you
may be asked to com for an additional visit.
While
the test is being done, you must lie as still as possible. This
is especially true when the test is being done to show organ functions
over time.
You
may experience some mild discomfort during this procedure. Most
of it will pass out of your body in your urine or bowel movement.
The rest goes away over time.
approximately 30-60 minutes
An
experienced board certified radiologist at Central Georgia Diagnostics
will read the tests and promptly send the report to your doctor.
As always, please let your doctor or the technologist know of any
concerns or questions you may have before the test. It is our goal
to make sure you have a correct and comfortable exam
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