Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about Nuclear Medicine Q: What is nuclear medicine? Q: Are nuclear medicine procedures safe? Q: Does the tracer cause side effects? Q: How long does the procedure take? Q: Can I resume my daily activities after the test? What is nuclear medicine? Nuclear medicine uses radioactive tracers in small doses to help diagnose and treat disease. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound and other diagnostic procedures that focus on the structural appearance of organs, tissues or bone, nuclear medicine determines the cause of a problem by analyzing the function of these structures. Are nuclear medicine procedures safe? Because the radioactive trace materials used contain no more radiation than a standard chest X-ray, nuclear medicine is considered quite safe. Does the tracer cause side effects? Rarely, there are some side effects, or adverse reactions, to tracer materials. Be sure to tell the technologist if you experience any abnormal symptoms following the tracer injection. How long does the procedure take? Nuclear medicine tests are performed in three phases; the administration of the tracer, taking the images and the analysis of the images. The time needed to allow absorption of the trace material can range from a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of test. Likewise, the time required for the imaging itself will vary. When you make the appointment, ask about the time required for your specific test. Can I resume my daily activities after the test? Generally, you can resume activities immediately. If you had temporarily discontinued any medications prior to your test, be sure to ask your doctor when you may resume.
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