Mitchell County Regional Health Center Services
Radiology
Nuclear Medicine
- What is nuclear medicine?
Nuclear medicine uses a special camera to detect the concentration of very small amounts of radioactive materials injected into the blood or taken by mouth. This material is absorbed by different tissues and shows the functions and characteristics of the tissue or organ being studied. The dose of radiation is very low and decreases quickly. In fact, after 48 hours there will be no measurable radiation in your body.
- At MCRHC, nuclear medicine can be used to:
- Analyze kidney function
- Image blood flow and function of the heart
- Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
- Identify blockage of the gallbladder
- Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor
- Determine the presence or spread of cancer
- Identify bleeding into the bowel
- Locate the presence of infection
Nuclear Medicine Exams:
- Cardiac Studies
Nothing to eat or drink six hours before the exam. No caffeine 24 hours before the exam. No barium 24 hours before exam. The exam time will be 2 to 3 ½ hours.
- Gastric Emptying
Nothing to eat or drink eight hours prior to exam. No smoking eight hours prior to exam. No barium 24 hours before exam.
- Liver/Spleen Scan
- No barium studes 24 hours prior to exam.
- Renal Scans
Be well-hydrated for exam. No ACE inhibitor medications two days prior to exam. No diuretic medications three to five days prior to exam, if possible. Blood pressure must be 140/70 or higher.
Most types of renal exams take 45-60 minutes. The Captropril Renal Scan will take 2 to 2 ½ hours.
For more information contact:
Mercy Radiology
641.422.7200
If you have any questions or would like more information contact
us at:
Mercy Radiology
641.422.7200