Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (also called "radiopharmaceuticals") to diagnose and treat disease. Radiopharmaceuticals are substances that are attracted to specific organs, bones, or tissues. The radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine emit gamma rays that can be detected externally by special types of cameras. These cameras work in conjunction with computers to form images that provide data about the area of body being imaged. The amount of radiation from a nuclear medicine procedure is comparable to that received during a regular x-ray exam.
Nuclear Medicine is different from Diagnostic Radiology (X-rays), which images the body's anatomy. Nuclear Medicine is able to show actual organ function and physiology. For example, Nuclear Cardiology, which involves imaging the heart during vigorous exercise, helps us determine the function and viability of the heart muscle. With nuclear medicine exams we are able to get medical information that may not be available any other way.