What is Nuclear Medicine

Many people associate the word nuclear with death and destruction, never considering the many other areas in which the nuclear properties of matter have benifitted man. The word nuclear indicates the involvement of the atomic nucleus, so nuclear medicine is therfore a branch of medicine in which properties of the atomic nucleus are utilized to treat and diagnose patients. Unstable atomic nuclei become stable by releasing some of their energy, it is this energy, also called radiation, that is used in the treatment and diagnosis of disease and ailments.

The bulk of nuclear medicine studies are diagnostic imaging. Diagnostic imaging also refers to radiology (x-ray, CT, fluoroscopy), ultrasound and MRI. The focus of radilogy, ultrasound and MRI is primarily anatomy. Diagnostic nuclear medicine on the other hand is based on the physiology of the human body (function). Nuclear medicine tests are unique, safe and reliable.

To achieve its goals nuclear medicine uses radiopharmaceuticals, drugs chemically combined with a radioisotope, to image or treat a specific region. Imaging is achieved by detecting the radiation emitted from the unstable nuclei and contrast is achieved by the concentration and distribution of the drug. The method of administration of the radiopharmaceutical depends on the function being studied (perfusion imaging requires intravenous administration, lymphatic imaging intradermal administration, etc.).

Diagnostic nuclear medicine is also referred to as scintigraphy, after the scintilating crystals used to detect gamma rays (for more information click on the Physics link). Nuclear medicine is supported by research in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and tests have been developed for the cardiolovascular, respiratory, cerebovascular, skeletal, lymphatic, gastrointestinal, endocrine and genitourinary systems. Functional information is the strength of nuclear medicine and in some cases nuclear medicine tests are the only tests capable of providing physicians with such information.