Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine uses a small amount of a radioactive substance to produce images of the body’s anatomy and function. Patients are given the radioactive substance by mouth, IV, or inhaling it into the lungs. The radioactive material is detected in the body by the scanner and then images mapping the material throughout the body are produced. Nuclear Medicine images are two or three-dimensional and show the anatomy and functionality of the body. This helps them in diagnosing a list of conditions, diseases, infections and tumors.

Our Services

Valley Regional Imaging offers a wide range of MRI services. With over 50 years of experience, our radiologists are committed to providing the highest quality imaging services in the most customer-focused environment, where every patient is treated with the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Before Your Visit

Bone Scan
Breast Scintigraphy (Miraluma)
Gastric Emptying Study
HIDA Scan and HIDA with EF
Liver/Spleen Scan
MUGA Scan
Parathyroid Scan
Renal Scans
Thyroid Therapy or Thyroid Ablation

What to expect from my scan?

How do I prepare for my scan?

What to expect from my scan?

The technologist will confirm your identity and then ask a series of questions relating to your condition and the reason for the exam. The questions vary with each type of exam. Once the assessment is completed, you will be given the radioactive medication. Some exams are performed immediately, some require you to return later the same day, and some require you to return again the next day. You will also be given a time to return based on the study being performed.
Once the assessment is completed, you will receive a small amount of radioactive medicine by mouth or by injection. Different compounds are used to study different parts of the body.
Most of the exams require you to lie very still on your back for a period of time while the camera acquires the images. Every effort will be made to make you as comfortable as possible.
The results of your exam will be faxed directly to your referring physician’s office as soon as they become available.
If you have a question concerning a Nuclear Medicine exam, then please contact Valley Regional Imaging and speak with Bart Damron in our Nuclear Medicine Department.

How do I prepare for my scan?

The patient should know the following: Females who are pregnant or nursing should not take the exam. If there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, then you should have a pregnancy test performed just prior to having the exam. There will be some preparation required for certain exams and none for others. Please refer to the exam on this site for more information. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time to complete the required paperwork and registration process. Please bring a list of your current medications with you to your appointment.

HIDA - Nothing by mouth 6 hours before scan.
Gastric Emptying - Nothing by mouth 8 hours before scan.
Bone Scan - Force fluids beginning the evening before the exam.
Renal - No diuretics (Lasix, HCTZ, Furosemide, Lisinopril, etc.) the day of exam.
Thyroid Uptake and Scan - Nothing by mouth after midnight. No IV contrast studies within 30 days. No thyroid hormones (Synthroid, etc.) for 3 weeks prior to the exam.
All other Nuclear Medicine exams - no prep required.

The patient preparations noted above are the specific requirements for this facility. If your physician has suggested different preparations, please follow those instructions.

Call Us: (910) 323-2209