Nuclear imaging, also known as medical diagnostic testing, uses radioactive tracers in order to study the organs and tissues of your body. This is an alternative imaging method to X-rays or CT scans.
What is nuclear medicine imaging?
Nuclear medicine imaging is a specialty of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive chemicals (radiopharmaceuticals) to study the function of your body. It is done to detect abnormalities early on in the progression of a disease.
What are the risks?
Nuclear imaging is associated with two main risks: radiation and allergic reactions. The risks are rare and the majority of patients have no problems with these tests.
What are radioactive tracers and what do they do?
Nuclear medicine uses many types of tracers. Some tracers have a very narrow application to a certain type of tissue or an organ. Some work more broadly, such as tracking blood flow.
What do these radioactive tracers look like?
Tracers are made up of a series of carrier molecules that are bonded tightly to a radioactive atom. These carrier molecules are usually injected into the patient or placed on an internal organ to be scanned. Some tracers contain a special molecule, which interacts directly with the protein or sugar within the body.
What are the various nuclear medicine imaging techniques available?
The two most common nuclear medicine imaging techniques are single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). These two procedures are performed using radiopharmaceuticals that produce 3-dimensional images of internal organs.
The SPECT uses gamma-rays that are emitted as radioactive tracer passes through the body. Gamma cameras produce digital signals from the gamma-rays. These signals are used by the computer to create 3D views of your internal organs.
How long will it take for a nuclear scanner to complete?
The time required for a nuclear scan is between 30 and 60 mins, plus any waiting period after receiving radioactive material. It may be done on a single visit, or the scans may be taken over a few days.
What is the most common area of your body to receive a scan?
During a nuclear scan, a table will rotate around you. A camera on the SPECT captures images of your organs and body parts. These images are then sent into a computer which creates 3D images of the organs in your body.
What are the types of radioactive tracers that can be used for nuclear medicine imaging?
Doctors may use different radioactive tracer depending on the part of your body that is being scanned. These include forms of the elements technetium, thallium, gallium, iodine and xenon.
What does it look like when you see radioactive traces on the surface of objects?
Most of the radioactive traces used for nuclear medicine imaging are made up of very specific molecules. These molecules can consist of a carrier-molecule that's tightly bound with a radioactive atomic tracer or a compound made up of special atoms that interact with proteins or sugars inside your own body.
FAQ
Who is responsible for public healthcare?
Public health is a responsibility of all levels of government. Local governments are responsible for roads, schools as well parks and recreation facilities. The laws and regulations governing food safety, workplace safety as well as consumer protection are enacted by both the national and state governments.
How do I get health insurance free in my locality?
You may be eligible to apply for health insurance free of charge if you are. If you are eligible, you might be eligible to Medicaid, Medicare or CHIP, Children's Health Insurance Program(CHIP), Tricare benefits, VA benefits and Federal Employee Health Benefitss (FEHB), military benefits, Indian Health Service benefits (IHS), or another program.
What is the difference of a doctor and physician?
A doctor is an individual who has completed his/her training and is licensed to practice medicine. A physician can be described as a medical professional who is skilled in a specific area of medicine.
What role do I play in public health?
Participating in preventive efforts can help to protect your own health and that of others. You can also contribute to improving public health by reporting any injuries or illnesses to healthcare professionals to help them prevent future ones.
What are your thoughts on the most pressing public health issues?
Many people have problems with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. These conditions lead to more deaths every year than AIDS or car crashes. A poor diet, lack exercise, and smoking can all lead to high blood pressure as well as stroke, asthma and other health problems.
Statistics
- For instance, Chinese hospital charges tend toward 50% for drugs, another major percentage for equipment, and a small percentage for healthcare professional fees. (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- Consuming over 10 percent of [3] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Healthcare Occupations PRINTER-FRIENDLY Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. (bls.gov)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How to Find Home Care Facilities
Home care facilities assist people who require help at home. Home care facilities are available for elderly and disabled persons, as well as those with chronic diseases such Alzheimer's. These facilities provide personal hygiene, food preparation, laundry and cleaning services, as well medication reminders and transportation. They often work closely with medical professionals, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists.
The best way to find a home care service provider is through recommendations from friends, family members, local businesses, or online reviews. Once you identify one or two providers, you can ask them about their qualifications and experience. Providers should be flexible in their hours so they can fit into your busy schedule. Also, make sure they offer emergency assistance 24/7.
Ask your doctor or nurse to refer you. You can search online for "home care" or "nursing homes" if you aren't sure where to look. You could also use websites such as Yelp, Angie's List and HealthGrades or Nursing Home Compare.
To get more information, call your local Area Agency on Aging and Visiting Nurse Service Association. These organizations will be able to provide you with a list containing agencies in your local area that are specialized in home care services.
A good agency for home care is vital as many agencies charge high prices. In fact, some agencies charge up to 100% of a patient's income! You can avoid this by choosing an agency that is highly rated by the Better Business Bureau. Get references from past clients.
Some states require home care agencies registered with the State Department of Social Services. Find out the requirements for agency registration in your area by contacting your local government.
There are many things you need to remember when selecting a Home Care Agency:
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Avoid any company asking you to pay upfront for services.
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Choose a well-established, reputable company.
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Get proof of insurance, especially if you're paying out of pocket.
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Make sure that the state licenses the agency you hire.
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Ask for a written agreement outlining all costs of hiring the agency.
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Confirm that there are follow-up visits by the agency following your discharge.
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Ask for a listing of certifications and credentials.
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You should not sign anything without thoroughly reading it.
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You should carefully read any fine print.
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Verify that the agency is insured and bonded.
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Ask the agency how long they have been in business.
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Verify the license of the State Department of Social Welfare for the agency.
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Find out if the agency has received any complaints.
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Your local government department can regulate home care agencies.
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You should ensure that the person answering the phone has the qualifications to answer your questions about homecare.
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To ensure that you fully understand the tax implications of home care, consult your accountant or attorney.
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Always obtain at least three quotes for every agency providing home care services.
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Accept the lowest offer, but don't settle for anything less than $30 per an hour.
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Remember that you may need to pay more than one visit to a home care agency daily.
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Take the time to read all terms and conditions before signing any contract.