Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Nuclear Medicine Scan

Font Size
A
A
A

Topic Overview

Nuclear medicine scans use a special camera (gamma) to take pictures of tissues and organs in the body after a radioactive tracer (radionuclide or radioisotope) is put in a vein in the arm and is absorbed by the tissues and organs. The radioactive tracer shows the activity and function of the tissues or organs.

Each type of tissue that may be scanned (including bones, organs, glands, and blood vessels) uses a different radioactive compound as a tracer. The tracer remains in the body temporarily before it is passed in the urine or stool (feces).

Recommended Related to Health A-Z

Amniotic Banding Syndrome

Online. Support for those affected by amniotic banding syndrome, syndactyly, and related conditions. Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/abs_support E-mail: abs_support-owner@yahoogroups.com Verified: 2/14/2011

Read the Amniotic Banding Syndrome article > >

For more information, see the topic:

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 27, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Next Article:

Nuclear Medicine Scan Topics

Hot Topics

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD Video: Now Playing

click to hide section Michelle Obama’s Nutrition Tips for Moms

Click here to wach video: Michelle Obama’s Nutrition Tips for Moms

First Lady Michelle Obama shares tips on parenting with moms and other audience members in a WebMD Town Hall meeting in Miami, Florida.

Click here to watch video: Michelle Obama’s Nutrition Tips for Moms

click to expand section Fresh Breath Tips
click to expand section Truth About Naps
click to expand section Sneaky Sugars
click to expand section Antioxidant Supplements for Memory

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

Previous Next
puppy eating
New Puppy?
What you need to know.
Ra Management Get A Personalized Report
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Assess your symptoms.
Xray of foot highlighting gout
Understanding Gout
Causes, symptoms and treatments.
Concentration Killers Slideshow
Concentration Killers
What's robbing your focus?
brain scan
Schizophrenia
Recognizing symptoms.
group beer toast
Beer Quiz
Do you know your suds?
Diabetic tools
Type 1 Diabetes
Symptoms, causes, treatments.
thumbnail for fatigue slideshow
Always Sleepy?
Causes, fixes for fatigue.
thumbnail for Brain Food slideshow
Brain Foods
Foods that can help you focus.
Hot cup of coffee
Caffeine Quiz
The facts about that cup of joe.
Couple sharing drink
Staying Healthy With HIV
Myths and facts.
Wendy’s Chicken Club
Worst Sandwiches
Double-fisted diet wreckers.
» See all slideshows

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.