Nuclear Medicine is an innovative way to look inside the body. This technique simply uses a special gamma camera to see if your body's systems are working properly.
The term "nuclear" may sound dangerous, but it’s perfectly safe. Depending on the exam, you’ll either have a small bit of radioactive material injected into your arm or take a radioactive pill. The radioactive material gives off a tiny amount of radiation, similar to or less than x-rays. The camera tracks this radiation as it flows through your body and measures your health.
How to Schedule an Imaging Study
CHA patients who have an order for imaging - please call 617-665-1298.
External facilities/providers - please fax orders to 617-665-3265 with the following information:
> Authorization status and Prior Authorization number, start and end date
> Ordering Provider NPI, name, address, phone, and fax
> If no authorization is required, please document this on the order
How to Prepare
In most cases, the test takes one to three hours from beginning to end. For some exams, you'll be given an injection or asked to swallow something at a short office visit, and then come back at a later date for imaging. Some exams include having you go through a chamber like an MRI or CT scan machine, while others focus on a specific body area. In all cases, you'll need to hold still during the imaging. Your results will be looked at by our specially trained Nuclear Medicine Technologists, who will analyze the images and share their findings with your doctor within a few days.
Services
- Bone scan
- Thyroid Scan and Uptake
- Cardiac studies
- Gall Bladder scan (HIDA)
- Renal (Kidney function)
- Gastric Emptying
- Ventilation and Perfusion Lung Scan (V/Q)
Locations and Hours