Before a nuclear imaging examination, special radioactive chemicals are placed into the patient’s body orally or through an IV. This low-level radioactive substance is responsible for making nuclear imaging such a powerful tool for doctors. As it makes its way through the body, the substance interacts with all of the cells in its path. Any time an excessive amount or lack of activity occurs, a problem is present. Depending on the type of chemical, the problem could be a blood disorder, breast cancer, stomach ulcers, or heart disease.
When the nuclear imaging camera takes photos of your insides, the intensity of each region’s activity is shown. Whether there is increased or decreased activity, the physician can swiftly determine what the problem is and pinpoint where the problem is located. For maximum clarity, images are captured in 3 dimensions and can be viewed in grayscale for scans relating to bones and joints and in color for examining the heart or other organs.
Double the Benefit
With the dual-head nuclear imaging camera, all of these advantages are availableand then some. The most obvious benefit of the dual-head camera is having two cameras working at once. Because of this, nuclear imaging studies with the dual-head camera are finished in nearly half the time used for a similar exam with a single nuclear imaging camera.
Additionally, since the exam takes less time and both sides of the patient can be imaged at the same time, the patient doesn’t have to spend as much time on the imaging table. This decreases patient anxiety and movement and guarantees the best examination possible, and when good health is at stake, the best is the only acceptable option.
