Nuclear Medicine

By Ferocious Media | June 27, 2023

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Specialized Radiologist on Long Island and New York

Nuclear Medicine at ZP

Our nuclear medicine department combines the latest advances in technology with highly trained nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, cardiologists, nurses, and nuclear technologists. We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in diagnostic nuclear imaging on Long Island, and offer this test in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as in Brooklyn.

At ZP, we offer Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging, which uses specialized cameras to visualize the internal organs at work, as well as the body's anatomy through three-dimensional images.

How it Works

During a nuclear medicine scan, a small amount of radioactive material or radiopharmaceutical is introduced into your body either intravenously or orally and gets absorbed by the cells. A specially developed camera records images and measures the accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical in the patient’s body. Higher metabolic activity can correspond to areas of disease or “hot spots” in the study. For some studies, the activity of the radiopharmaceutical can indicate how well an organ is functioning.

Nuclear medicine can be used to detect and evaluate a number of disorders including tumors, irregular or inadequate blood flow, and inadequate functioning of organs like the thyroid, heart, lungs, gallbladder, liver, and kidneys.

How is the procedure done?

During the Test

For most exams, the radiopharmaceutical will be administered through an I.V. but some exams do require it to be taken orally. The radiotracer must circulate through your body for a certain amount of time, depending on the type of study. This can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours. The radiopharmaceutical is absorbed by both normal and abnormal tissue, according to their metabolic rate.

You will then be brought into the exam room and asked to lie down on the scanning table. A specialized nuclear medicine camera will slowly move over the area of your body being scanned. Be sure to remain as still as possible to ensure the best possible images. Depending on the specific study, your scan may take from 30 minutes up to two hours.

Once all of the images have been recorded, the nuclear camera will move away and the technologist will return to assist you off the table.

After the Test

Increase your fluid intake for the next 24 hours to help flush the radiopharmaceutical out of your system. Depending on the type of exam, you may be required to stop breastfeeding or limit your contact with pregnant women, small children, and pets.

How do I prepare?

News and Info

News & Info

Types of MRI Designs

Why is an MRI so Loud?

What is an MRI Coil?

Sports Medicine: ACL Tear

Why Choose Zwanger Pesiri?

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology brings world-class expertise to the Long Island community. Our subspecialty-trained radiologists are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology with fellowship training in a variety of specialties. They are highly-skilled, highly-knowledgeable, and make patient care a priority. To learn more, contact us today.