How does nuclear medicine work?
The patient receives a radioactive material (isotope) in one of several ways: Intravenous injection, capsules, orally or inhaled. The isotope travels to target organs and tissues. Different isotopes are matched with different compounds that go to specific organs and tissues. The isotope gives off gamma rays, a form of radiation that can be seen only with special cameras. The cameras provide images of the target organs and tissues. These cameras DO NOT give off any radiation. The images are studied by a nuclear medicine physician and their interpretation is forwarded to the ordering physician.
