Nuclear Medicine

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine (NM) is a dynamic, hands-on subsection of the Medical Imaging. NM gamma cameras are accredited with the American College of Radiology (ACR). NM Technologists are registered with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (Nuclear Medicine) and/or certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) and licensed by the state of Ohio (ODH) Nuclear Medicine (NM) and is overseen by Radiation Safety Officer and SOMC Radiation Safety Committee.

Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (Radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease. NM procedures are highly effective, safe and painless diagnostic imaging and treatment tools that present physicians with a detailed view of what’s going on inside your body at the cellular level. NM specialist can determine if certain organs, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, thyroid and lungs, are working properly.

When very small amounts of radioactive material are introduced into the body by injection, swallowing or inhalation, specific body organs will be targeted. These trace radiopharmaceuticals are detected by special cameras that work with computers to provide pictures of the area of interest. Early detection allows a disease to be treated when there may be a more successful prognosis.

Nuclear Medicine has the ability to give quantitative information regarding the function of various organs. Comparative functional analyses between contralateral organs may be performed.

Nuclear Medicine also has therapeutic applications. Therapy can be accomplished due to the fact that cells, tissues, organs, and systems metabolize or concentrate certain specific chemical compounds.

Nuclear Medicine is primarily located at Main Hospital 1805 27th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.