Nuclear Scans
Also called: Radioisotope scans.
What is Nuclear Scans?
Nuclear scans use radioactive substances to see structures and functions inside your body. They use a special camera that detects radioactivity. Before the test, you receive a small amount of radioactive material. You may get it as an injection. Sometimes you swallow it or inhale it. Then you lie still on a table while the camera makes images. Most scans take 20 to 45 minutes. Nuclear scans can help doctors diagnose many conditions, including cancers, injuries, and infections. They can also show how organs like your heart and lungs are working.
Related topics
Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH) — read the full NIH article.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Please see your doctor for diagnosis, and seek urgent care for any severe or sudden symptoms.