Nuclear Medicine Specialists

Article by: Ignite Healthwise, LLC

Nuclear Medicine Specialists are medical doctors who use radioactive medicines for diagnosis and treatment of certain problems. Common nuclear medicine tests include bone scans, lung perfusion scans, and HIDA scans for gallbladder function. Nuclear medicine specialists can be board-certified through the Board of Nuclear Medicine, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

In diagnostic nuclear medicine, doctors inject a substance that contains both a biologically active material and a radioactive element (also called a radiotracer). The radiotracer accumulates in diseased tissue and emits radiation that can be detected by a special camera used for imaging or, in some cases, to treat the disease.

How Advanced Nuclear Medicine Is Transforming Patient Care

During a nuclear medicine procedure, you will be asked to lie very still while a camera takes pictures of your body. The length of the test can vary depending on what kind of exam is being performed. Some exams may require additional preparation, such as fasting or a change in diet.

Nuclear medicine physicists conduct the technical aspects of the tests, including the development and operation of special imaging instruments. They also work closely with nuclear medicine physicians and other medical staff to ensure the safety of patients and employees. Detailed knowledge of the principles of nuclear physics is essential, but this specialty also requires innovation, teamwork and attention to detail. Nuclear medicine physicists often participate in research projects that seek to develop new imaging instruments or improve the accuracy of existing ones, such as gamma-ray cameras or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners.