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Nuclear Medicine

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine records radiation from the "inside-out." Substances called radiopharmaceuticals are injected, swallowed or inhaled by the patient. Emissions created by the radiopharmaceuticals in the bone, organ or tissue being examined are detected by a camera. This information is recorded on a computer screen or on film.

Nuclear medicine documents the function as well as the structure of organs, bones, and tissues. An x-ray can tell a physician what something looks like, but nuclear medicine can also tell if it is functioning properly.

Common procedures include thyroid scans, brain scans, bone scans, lung scans, cardiac stress tests, and liver and gallbladder procedures.

In addition to diagnosing a disease, nuclear medicine can be used to treat disease. Therapeutic uses include treatment of hyperthyroidism and pain relief from certain types of bone cancers.

Click here to download our nuclear medicine brochure.

Nuclear Medicine Facilities

• Kenmore Mercy Hospital (Kenmore)
• Mercy Ambulatory Care Center (Orchard Park)
• Mercy Diagnostic and Treatment Center (West Seneca)
• Mercy Hospital of Buffalo (Buffalo)
• Sisters of Charity Hospital (Buffalo)
• Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus (Cheektowaga)

Becoming a Patient

A prescription from your physician is required. If you do not have a physician, click here to find a physician near you or call our HealthConnection service for a referral. Our representatives may be reached at (716) 447-6205 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Preparing for Your Nuclear Medicine Procedure

Ask your doctor about any special instructions you may need to follow. Continue to take your medications as prescribed unless you are instructed otherwise.

If you are diabetic, pregnant or breastfeeding, please notify your physician and the nuclear medicine staff.

The Day of Your Procedure

Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothing, but gowns and scrubs will be available. If you are having an imaging study, please do not wear any jewelry.

During Your Procedure

You will meet with a technologist who will administer the radiopharmaceutical. The tracer may be administered intravenously, by mouth, or inhaled, depending on the type of procedure being done.

Imaging times will vary with procedure, but all procedures require that you hold as still as possible to produce optimal images.

After Your Procedure

You may leave immediately following the procedure unless you are instructed otherwise and all normal activities may be resumed. Drink plenty of fluids in the 24 to 48 hours following your procedure. Your doctor may give you additional instructions.

The radiologist or nuclear medicine physician will study the images collected and report the results to your physician.

Insurance

We will bill your insurance company directly. Please bring your insurance card and referral/authorization form (if necessary) on the day of your exam.

Some insurance carries require pre-certification for nuclear medicine. Please check with your insurance provider to see what their requirements are.

More Information

For more information about our imaging/radiology services, call our HealthConnection line at (716) 447-6205 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.