Nuclear medicine is just one subspecialty
offered by the Radiology Department at Akron General
Medical Center. Our experienced radiologists and
technologists, specializing in nuclear medicine,
work with patients and referring physicians to help
offer additional information about a condition or
suspected issue. After the results are received,
patients should talk with their primary care or
referring physician about the results and to see
if additional tests are needed.
Using a specialized gamma camera
and a radioactive pharmaceutical, sometimes described
as a dye or tracer, radiologists are able to see
a series of images and understand better how an
organ is functioning. The tracer can be given to
the patient by mouth, intravenously, through a catheter
or in the spinal fluid. Different types of tracers
are used for different organs. The tracer is absorbed
by the organ of interest and emits gamma rays, which
are then detected by a gamma camera. A computer
processes the pictures and the end result is a series
of images that a radiologist can interpret.
During imaging sessions, patients
will be asked to lie still for between 20 and 45
minutes, depending on the type of test. Akron General
offers some of the most advanced imaging equipment
available, such as the dual headed gamma cameras.
Images are taken and processed twice as fast - and
that means convenience and comfort for our patients.
Nuclear medicine imaging is safe
and effective. The tracer is typically excreted
out of the body through normal means or simply loses
the small amount of radioactivity that it originally
had.
Reasons your physician might order
nuclear imaging:
- Infection
- Bone fractures
- Arthritis
- Bleeding of the bowel
- Blood flow issues
- Cancer or benign tumors
- Gallbladder blockage
- Heart function
- Abnormal thyroid function
Nuclear imaging tests offered at Akron General
Medical Center
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
Nuclear imaging, including cardiac
imaging, can be performed at Akron General Medical
Center. Nuclear cardiac imaging can also be performed
at Akron General's Health & Wellness Center
- West. Patients must have a referral from their
physician for radiology procedures. For more information
on Nuclear Imaging at Akron General, call 330-344-6445.
To schedule an appointment, call 330-996-5760.
