Nuclear Imaging
Sun Radiology
Radiologist, Neuroradiologist, and Musculoskeletal Radiologist in Glendale, AZ; Peoria, AZ; & Phoenix, AZ
Nuclear imaging is an advanced speciality armour area of radiology that uses a small amount of radioactive material to visualize, diagnose, and treat different diseases. Manntej Sra, MD, a board-certified radiologist, and the team of radiology experts at Sun Radiology, provide a variety of nuclear imaging tests ranging from cardiac stress tests to neurological imaging. They have four convenient locations in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona. Call your nearest office or schedule your appointment online today.
Nuclear Imaging Q & A
Several diagnostic imaging studies, such as X-rays and CT scans, use radiation to create images of the inside of your body.
Nuclear imaging also uses radiation, but instead of the scanning device emitting radiation into your body, your radiologist injects a radioactive substance into your bloodstream or gives you medicine to ingest.
When the radioactive substance travels through your body, your radiologist uses scanning devices to track it, which provides information about how your different body systems are functioning.
Sun Radiology offers a comprehensive range of nuclear imaging tests, including:
- Cardiac stress tests
- Functional imaging
- Neurological imaging
- Gastrointestinal imaging
- Renal imaging
- Musculoskeletal imaging
Nuclear imaging studies are incredibly informative. They can help your doctor identify the best treatments to address heart issues such as coronary artery disease and neurological problems like Alzheimer’s disease and seizures.
Nuclear imaging studies vary. In most cases, you don’t need to prepare, although you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and you may need to fast for several hours before your appointment.
It’s also important to bear in mind that some nuclear imaging tests are completed during a short visit to Sun Radiology, but others may take place over several hours or days.
Your test begins when your radiologist either injects the radioactive drug in your arm or gives you a tasteless serum to swallow. You rest quietly as the substance works its way through your system.
In most cases, you lie still and quiet on the examination table during the scan. However, during a cardiac stress test, you may walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike.
After your scan, you can return to your regular activities. Continue to drink water to help flush the radioactive substance out of your body.
Nuclear imaging is safe and effective. Your radiologist uses only a small amount of the radioactive drug. Nonetheless, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should make sure your doctor knows, because an alternative test may be available.
If you need a nuclear imaging test, call Sun Radiology or schedule your appointment online today for expert, state-of-the-art digital radiology services.
