Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine is a diagnostic imaging
department that uses radioactive material (isotopes) to study the
function of organs or body systems. Conventional X-ray, CT, MRI,
and ultrasound are imaging methods utilized for their ability to
produce anatomical detail. Nuclear medicine, on the other hand, provides
additional information related to cellular and tissue function.
Our isotopes are safe and effective. Nuclear medicine
isotopes carry about the same risk as a common X-ray. Small quantities
of quickly decaying radioactive material are used. No, you will not
glow in the dark. We can help detect a variety of conditions, such
as cancer, heart disease, arthritis and infection.
How does nuclear medicine
work?
In general, the
patient receives the radioactive isotope. The radioactive material
is introduced in several ways. The most common way is intravenously. Following
the IV injection, the isotope travels to the target organ and tissues.
Different isotopes are matched with different compounds that go to
specific organs and tissues. The isotope gives off gamma rays (from the
target area) that can only be detected by our equipment. Our equipment
does not produce radiation like X-ray and CT equipment. It simply detects
the isotope and forms an image. A nuclear medicine physician reads the
images and gives the results to the referring physician.
If we can be of assistance to
you in any way, please do not hesitate to call. A technologist will
be able to answer any question you may have.
To schedule a test after you have a physician referral,
please call 410-368-2820.
| Hours of operation: |
Monday - Friday |
6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
Sunday – Thursday |
10 p.m. – 6 a.m. |
Saturday |
7 a.m. - 5:30p.m. |
Sunday (STAT only) |
7 a.m. - 3:30p.m. |
On-Call Technologist |
5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday
- Thursday) |
|
5:30 p.m. - 7 a.m. (Friday and Saturday morning) |
|
10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Sunday - Monday morning) |