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What nuclear medicine is

Nuclear medicine uses tiny amounts of radioactive substances (radiotracers) to see how organs work and to treat some diseases. Nuclear medicine physicians hold an MD in Nuclear Medicine or a DRM/DNB after MBBS. Unlike an X-ray, which shows structure, nuclear scans show function and metabolism, which can reveal disease earlier.

Common scans

• PET-CT: used mainly in cancer to find the extent of disease, check treatment response and look for recurrence; also used in some brain and heart conditions.
• Bone scan: detects cancer spread, fractures and infection in bone.
• Thyroid scan and uptake: evaluates thyroid nodules and overactive thyroid.
• Cardiac perfusion scan: checks blood flow to heart muscle.
• Renal and other scans: kidney function, lung and gastrointestinal studies.

Therapy

Radioactive iodine treats hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, and other radiopharmaceuticals treat bone pain, neuroendocrine tumours and prostate cancer in selected patients.

Preparation and safety

Instructions vary: PET-CT usually needs fasting for 4 to 6 hours and controlled blood sugar; thyroid scans may need a low-iodine diet; some scans require stopping certain medicines. The radiation dose is small and comparable to other imaging, and the tracer leaves the body within hours or days. Tell staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and avoid close contact with infants and pregnant women for a short time after some tests, as advised. Your doctor may order blood sugar, kidney function or thyroid tests first.

Choosing a centre

Choose a centre licensed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board with experienced specialists. Costs vary widely by scan and centre. Compare centres and book on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.