Department of Radiology
The Department of Radiology at Lahey brings together experienced physicians and imaging specialists dedicated to accurate diagnostic and medical imaging, innovative research and comprehensive education and training.
Nuclear Medicine
Advanced nuclear medical imaging for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment
Advanced Nuclear Medical Imaging Focused on Accuracy and Safety
Nuclear medicine at Lahey Clinic uses advanced imaging technology to diagnose disease, guide treatment and monitor how your body responds to care. These studies provide detailed information that cannot always be seen with a traditional MRI scan, CT scan or X-ray.
Every nuclear imaging test is performed by experienced physicians and a certified nuclear medicine technologist using carefully measured amounts of radioactive material. The goal is clear images, accurate results and the lowest radiation dose possible.
Nuclear medicine also supports treatment planning and targeted therapies when appropriate.
What Is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine is a type of diagnostic radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive material, called a radionuclide, to evaluate how organs and tissues function. Instead of only showing structure, nuclear medical imaging helps reveal how well a part of the body is working.
A radionuclide is a tiny amount of radioactive tracer that may be swallowed, injected or inhaled. It travels to a specific organ or tissue and gives off energy signals.
A special camera called a gamma camera detects these signals and creates images. This nuclear imaging study allows physicians to identify problems early, sometimes before symptoms appear.
In some cases, nuclear medicine treatments or nuclear medicine therapies may also be used to target certain diseases, including nuclear medicine treatment for cancer.
Access Imaging Records
You will be told when and how to expect your imaging results. Many results will appear in your patient portal when available.
You can also view instructions on how to obtain copies of your exam images.
Nuclear Medicine Procedures
Nuclear imaging studies help evaluate many organs and systems. These tests can detect disease, measure function and guide treatment decisions.
Cardiology
Cardiac nuclear imaging evaluates blood flow and heart function. These tests help identify areas of reduced circulation or damage.
- Myocardial perfusion scans show how well blood flows through the heart muscle.
- MUGA scans (Multiple Gated Acquisition) measure how well the heart pumps blood.
- Stress testing with nuclear imaging evaluates heart function during activity.
Endocrinology
These studies measure how endocrine organs work, including thyroid function.
- Thyroid uptake and scan measures thyroid activity and structure.
- Parathyroid scans identify overactive parathyroid glands.
Gastrointestinal
Nuclear imaging can evaluate digestion and detect bleeding or blockages.
- GI bleeding scans identify active bleeding in the bowels.
- HIDA scans (hepatobiliary scans) evaluate gallbladder function and bile flow.
- Gastric emptying studies measure how quickly food leaves the stomach.
Genitourinary and Kidney Nuclear Imaging
These studies analyze kidney function and urinary drainage.
- Renal scans measure kidney function and blood flow.
- Lasix renal scans evaluate urine flow and obstruction.
Infection Imaging
Nuclear imaging can help locate infection, including bone infections such as osteomyelitis.
- White blood cell scans detect areas of infection.
- Bone scans identify infection, inflammation or fracture.
Neurology
These studies evaluate brain function and blood flow.
- Brain perfusion scans assess blood flow in the brain.
- DaTscans evaluate dopamine transporters in certain neurologic conditions.
Oncology
Nuclear imaging plays an important role in detecting malignant tumors and monitoring cancer treatment.
- PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) scans detect cancer spread and monitor response to therapy.
- Sentinel lymph node mapping identifies the first lymph nodes involved in cancer spread.
Orthopedics
Bone imaging helps detect fractures, arthritis or tumors in bones.
Pulmonary
These scans evaluate lung ventilation and blood flow.
- V/Q scans (Ventilation/Perfusion scans) assess airflow and circulation in the lungs.
Theranostics
Theranostics uses specialized radioactive medicines to both detect and treat cancer in a highly targeted way. This approach helps deliver therapy directly to cancer cells while limiting effects on healthy tissue.
- I-131 therapy treats thyroid cancer by targeting remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells after surgery.
- Ra-223 therapy treats prostate cancer that has spread to the bones by delivering targeted radiation to bone metastases.
- Lu-PSMA therapy is an advanced treatment for metastatic prostate cancer that selectively targets prostate cancer cells throughout the body.
FAQs on Nuclear Medicine
Find frequently asked questions and answers on nuclear medicine below.
What can I expect?
A nuclear medicine scan may take several hours, depending on the type of study. After receiving the tracer, there may be a waiting period before images are taken. The scan itself is painless.
Is it safe?
The amount of radiation used in a nuclear imaging test is small and carefully calculated. The tracer leaves the body naturally over time. Your care team will review safety information and answer any questions.
Is nuclear medicine also used as a form of treatment?
Yes. Some nuclear medicine therapies deliver radiation directly to diseased cells. This approach allows targeted treatment while limiting exposure to healthy tissue. Nuclear medicine treatment for cancer may be used for certain thyroid or metastatic conditions.
How do patients benefit from nuclear medicine clinical trials and research?
Participation in clinical nuclear medicine research may provide access to new imaging techniques or treatments before they are widely available. Research helps improve safety, accuracy and patient outcomes.
How does Lahey ensure quality?
Nuclear imaging studies are performed by board-certified physicians and experienced technologists using advanced equipment. Strict safety protocols guide every step of care to maintain accuracy and reliability.
