Nuclear Medicine Procedures refer to a group of medical imaging techniques that involve the use of small amounts of radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, which are introduced into the body. These substances emit gamma rays that can be detected by specialized cameras to create images of the body's internal structures and functions.
The goal of nuclear medicine procedures is to help diagnose diseases in their early stages, monitor a patient’s response to treatments or therapies, and determine the severity of specific conditions. These imaging techniques can provide information about organ function, blood flow, and cellular activity that may not be available through other diagnostic methods.
Some common nuclear medicine procedures include bone scans, PET (positron emission tomography) scans, and SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans. These tests are often used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Overall, nuclear medicine procedures offer valuable insights into the body’s internal workings that can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and develop better treatment plans for their patients.