What is a nuclear medicine procedure?
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose, and sometimes treat, diseases. Radiotracers are usually, but not always, given to a patient in the form of an intravenous injection. Images of where the radiotracer is in the body and how long it stays there are made using a special camera called a nuclear medicine gamma camera. These cameras work in conjunction with computers to form images that provide data and information about the area of the body being imaged. The images generated can show if organs are working properly or not depending on if the radiotracers are absorbed by different tissue types, and at what rate or concentration they are absorbed. What is a Hepatobiliary Scan (HIDA or DISIDA Scan)? Hepatobiliary scan is a nuclear medicine procedure that demonstrates gallbladder function. You will be injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer. While lying flat on the table, the camera will be positioned over your chest and abdomen. Periodic images w
