Nuclear imaging is a diagnostic test for medical diagnosis that uses radioactive markers to study organs or tissues in your body. It's an alternative to other imaging methods such as X rays and CT scanners.
What is nuclear medical 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. This is typically done to detect any abnormalities in the early stages of a condition.
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 is the radioactive tracer?
There are several different types of tracers used in nuclear medical imaging. Some tracers only work on one type or organ. Some tracer work in a more general way, like tracking blood flow.
What does the radioactive tracer look like?
Tracers contain a series of carrier molecule tightly bound with a radioactive particle. These molecules are usually placed either on the internal organs to be scanned or injected into a patient. Some tracers are made up of a special molecule that interacts with a protein or sugar in the body.
What are the different nuclear medical imaging techniques?
SPECT (single photon emission computed-tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) are the most common nuclear medical imaging techniques. 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 camera produces digital signal from detecting the gamma waves. The computer uses these signals to create 3D pictures of your organs.
How long does a nuclear scan take?
A nuclear scan takes between 30 minutes and 60 minutes plus the time to wait after the radioactive material is given. You can do the scans in one visit or spread out over a number of days.
What are the most commonly scanned areas on your body?
During the nuclear scanning, you will lie down on a circular table. The SPECT device has a camera which takes pictures of internal organs as well as other parts of the body. These images are sent by computer to create 3D models of organs and body parts.
What types of radioactive tracers can be used in nuclear medicine imaging?
Doctors may use different radioactive tracer depending on the part of your body that is being scanned. These include various forms of the element technetium.
What do radioactive traces appear like?
Most of the radioactive traces used for nuclear medicine imaging are made up of very specific molecules. These molecules are a combination of either a carrier molecule tightly bonded to a radioactive tracer, or a molecule made of a special element that interacts with sugar or protein in your body.
FAQ
What does "health promotion” mean?
Promoting health is about helping people live longer and stay healthy. It focuses more on preventing disease than treating it.
It also includes:
-
Eat right
-
Get enough sleep
-
exercising regularly
-
Staying active and fit
-
It is important to not smoke
-
managing stress
-
keeping up with vaccinations
-
Avoiding alcohol abuse
-
Regular screenings and checkups
-
Learn how to deal with chronic illnesses.
What is an infectious disease?
A germ, virus, or parasite can cause an infectious disease. Infectious illnesses spread quickly via close contact. Mumps, rubella (German Measles), whooping cough, rubella (German Measles), measles and mumps are some examples.
Who is responsible to ensure public health?
Public health is an issue that affects all levels of government. Local governments control roads, schools, parks, and recreation facilities. Both the state and national governments create laws and regulations for food safety, workplace safety and consumer protection.
What happens if Medicare disappears?
There will be an increase in the number of uninsured Americans. Some employers will terminate employees from their benefits plans. Senior citizens will have to pay higher out of pocket for prescription drugs and medical services.
How can my family have access to high-quality health care?
Most states have a department that provides affordable health care. Some states offer programs to help low-income families have children. To find out more about these programs, contact your state's Department of Health.
What does the expression "healthcare" refer to?
Health care refers to delivering services related to maintaining good physical and mental health.
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)
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
- 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)
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How to Locate Home Care Facilities
People who need help at home will benefit from the services of home care providers. These include elderly persons who are unable to move independently and disabled people with chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's. These services include personal hygiene and meal preparation, laundry, cleaning as well as medication reminders and transportation. They often work with rehabilitation specialists, social workers and medical professionals.
The best way to find a home care service provider is through recommendations from friends, family members, local businesses, or online reviews. After you've identified one or two providers you can start to ask about their qualifications, experience, and references. Look for providers that offer flexible hours to accommodate your needs. You can also ask if they offer 24-hour emergency service.
You might also consider asking your doctor or nurse for referrals. If you're not sure where to start, try searching the internet for "home health care" and "nursing house". For example, you could use websites like Yelp, Angie's List, HealthGrades, or Nursing Home Compare.
For additional information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging/Visiting Nurse Service Association (VNA). These organizations will be able to provide you with a list containing agencies in your local area that are specialized in home care services.
Many home care agencies charge high rates for their services. This makes it important to find the right agency. Some agencies can charge as much as 100% of the patient's income. It is best to avoid this problem by choosing an agency with a high rating from the Better Business Bureau. Get references from former clients.
Some states require homecare agencies to register at the State Department of Social Services. To find out what registration requirements your agency must meet, check with your local government office.
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a home care agency :
-
Don't pay upfront if you don't want to receive services.
-
Be sure to choose a reliable and established business.
-
For those who are paying out-of-pocket for insurance, make sure you have proof.
-
Make sure that the state licenses the agency you hire.
-
Request a written contract outlining all costs associated with hiring the agency.
-
Confirm that the agency provides follow-up visits after discharge.
-
Ask for a list of credentials and certifications.
-
You should not sign anything without thoroughly reading it.
-
Take the time to read all fine print.
-
Make sure the agency has insurance and is bonded.
-
Ask the agency how long they have been in business.
-
Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare licenses the agency.
-
Find out if complaints have been filed against the agency.
-
For information on home care agencies, contact your local government department.
-
Ensure that the staff member answering the phone is qualified to answer questions about home care.
-
For tax information on home care please consult your accountant.
-
Always get at least three bids for each home care agency you contact.
-
Accept the lowest offer, but don't settle for anything less than $30 per an hour.
-
It is possible that you will need to visit more than one agency for home care each day.
-
Take the time to read all terms and conditions before signing any contract.