A radiologist may use one of a number of methods in order to obtain an image of the inside of the body, and the method used can depend on a number of factors, such as the type of suspected injury or illness based on symptoms, the age and general health of the patient, and various other factors. One type of imaging used by the radiologist is known as the radionuclide scan. This is where the radioactive levels in the organs can be measured through the injection of a radioactive substance, enabling any abnormalities or tumors to be detected.
Depending on the type of test being performed, the radionuclide chemical may also be swallowed or breathed in, although it is most commonly injected into the body. The radionuclide is also referred to as either an isotope or a radioisotope. This chemical releases gamma rays, which is a type of radioactivity. There are a number of radionuclide chemicals that can be used, and different ones are used for different organs or parts of the body, so the one used will be based around the area of the body that required scanning.
When a radionuclide scan is performed, a computerized device, known as the gamma camera, is used in order to build a picture of the organ or part of the body being viewed. Using different colors or shades the picture created by the computer based upon electrical signals from the gamma rays enable medical staff to get an idea of radioactivity levels within that particular area.
When it comes to the safety of a radionuclide scan, patients should remember that only a small amount of radionuclide chemical is used, and this can quickly leave the body in the urine. There are a few side effects, which can include an allergy to the chemical. The radiation could obviously affect an unborn baby, so it is important for patients to ensure that they inform their doctors or radiologist if they are or think they might be pregnant.
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