Nucmed & PET/CT

A radiology subspecialty; images developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient

Available at the following locations

Service

Nucmed & PET/CT

A radiology subspecialty; images developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine in a specialised modality within the radiology field. It involves the use of small amounts of radioactive material to highlight certain parts of the body which can provide information about the anatomy and functions of the body. Depending on the procedure, a patient is usually injected with the radioactive material and placed under a camera, either immediately or after a delay. These images assist doctors in the diagnosis of many diseases. Some of these include:

  • Bone pathologies
  • Kidney function
  • Thyroid function
  • Cardiac disease
  • Infections
  • Lung pathologies
  • Gastrointestinal pathologies

Bookings are essential.

PET – Positron Emission Tomography.

PET is a Nuclear Medicine imaging test in which a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the body and is used to diagnose a variety of diseases.
The patient will be injected with a small amount of radioactive material then rested in a room for an hour. They will then be imaged on a PET scanner.
For most PET scans you will be required to fast for six hours prior to your appointment but will be able to drink plain water in this time. Patients will be required to stay warm the morning of the test and no strenuous activity the day before and the day of the appointment. If you are a diabetic the technologists will discuss your medications prior to your test as sometimes they need to be stopped prior to the appointment. Bookings are essential.

PET imaging can assist the physician in diagnosing the following:

  • Infection
  • Cancer
  • Cardiac Disease
  • Brain pathologies