Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease, including many types of cancers, heart disease and other abnormalities within the body. Radiopharmaceuticals are attracted to specific organs, bones or tissues and then emit gamma rays that are detected externally by special types of cameras. These cameras work with computers to form images that provide data and information about the area of the body being studied. The amount of radiation from a nuclear medicine procedure is comparable to that received during a diagnostic x-ray.
Nuclear medicine imaging documents organ function and structure in contrast to diagnostic radiology, which is based upon anatomy.
Additional Imaging Information
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For more information or to schedule an appointment with a radiologist, call Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital at 314.996.8080.
We are conveniently located just one mile west of I-270 on Olive Blvd., at Olive and Mason in Creve Coeur, Missouri - a west county suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Get directions to our Imaging Locations.