What is nuclear medicine?
A nuclear medicine test involves giving you a small amount of a radioactive dye. We can then see where this goes in the body or how your body processes it. Each nuclear medicine test is performed for a specific purpose.
A gamma camera is used to detect the radioactive substance and then displays this as a picture on a computer screen.
Is there a radiation risk?
Staff are trained in radiation safety procedures and the smallest possible dose needed to get the best results will be used.
Any radioactivity will quickly be eliminated from your body and there are usually no reactions or side-effects. The benefits of having a nuclear medicine scan outweighs the risk to your health and your doctor will discuss whether this procedure is right for you.
How can I find out more?
You can find out more from the ‘My Nuclear Medicine Test – What you need to know about Radiation‘ on line leaflet.
Contact
Hartlepool
01429 522680