Nuclear Medicine (NM)
Nuclear medicine scans are safe and non-invasive. Nuclear medicine involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials (tracers) to help diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. Nuclear medicine exams involve the injection, inhalation or swallowing of radioactive materials.
Specialized cameras detect the energy released by the tracer to generate images of the body or specific organs or tissues. The timing of your images is dependent on the type of organ/tissue being examined and the length of time for the tracer to localize. Nuclear Medicine studies provide information on organ/ tissue structure and function, these images are then reviewed by the Nuclear Medicine physician.
The radioactive tracer loses its energy rapidly and is eliminated naturally by the body. To reduce the time it takes for this to occur, you should drink plenty of fluids and void frequently.
Nuclear medicine can provide information about many organs and organ systems including skeletal cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, respiratory and endocrine studies.
How to Book a Nuclear Medicine Exam
Most Nuclear Medicine requisitions must be reviewed by a Nuclear Medicine physician before an appointment is made. Your physician will send a NM requisition to the Diagnostic Imaging department and an appointment time will be provided to you through your family physician's office.
Nuclear Medicine procedures require the injection of radiopharmaceuticals which are prepared specifically for your exam and may need to be ordered in advance. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please notify the department forty eight (48) hours in advance at 613-969-7400 ext. 2417.
Attending the Exam
Please register for the exam in the Nuclear Medicine department in the basement of the Quinte Building at Belleville General Hospital. Use the staff elevators in the Quinte Building and follow the signs for Nuclear Medicine. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the exam and have your health care card ready.
Preparing for the Exam
Please click here for details about each of the various Nuclear Medicine exams.
Cardiac Exam:
Instruction Sheet Side A
Instruction Sheet Side B
Carbon Breath Test:
Instructions
