The Radiology Clinic
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November 2018

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Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease and certain other abnormalities within the body. Nuclear medicine or radionuclide imaging procedures are noninvasive and, with the exception of intravenous injections, are usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose medical conditions.

These imaging scans can use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers. Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is either injected into a vein, or swallowed and eventually accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined.

A radiologist who has specialized training in nuclear medicine will interpret the images and forward a report to your referring physician, usually within a day.

For an overview of Nuclear Medicine studies, click here.

 

What Are The Benefits?

  • Information provided by nuclear medicine examinations is unique and often unattainable using other imaging procedures.
  • For many diseases, nuclear medicine scans yield the most useful information needed to make a diagnosis or to determine appropriate treatment, if any.
  • Nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures have been used for more than fifty years, and there are no known long-term adverse effects from such a low-dose exposure.

 

What Are The Risks?

  • Because the doses of radiotracer administered are small, diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures result in low radiation exposure, acceptable for diagnostic exams. Thus, the radiation risk is very low compared with the potential benefits.

  • Allergic reactions to radiopharmaceuticals may occur but are extremely rare and are usually mild.

  • Injection of the radiotracer may cause slight pain and redness at the injection site which should rapidly resolve.

 

 

Why Should You Ask Your Doctor To Choose Us For Your Medical Imaging? 

Compassionate Staff

The Radiology Clinic's caring staff recognizes that diagnostic testing can cause apprehension and uneasiness. Our technologists will take the time to explain exactly what you can expect, and someone is always available to assist you with questions or concerns. 

Convenience

We are open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Easily accessible from McFarland Boulevard, we are located just north of the Black Warrior River and ample free parking provides easy access to the clinic.

Depth of Experience

Our board-certified radiologists work with trained technologists to provide a compassionate, expert imaging experience. Radiologists are physicians who have received 4 to 6 years of advanced training after completing their medical degrees. Radiology technologists, who work closely with radiologists, receive 2 to 4 years of training in radiologic technology.

Quick Results

Your referring physician will be provided results 2-3 working days after your examination. We also have a patient portal where you can have access to your results.

Safety

Your safety is one of our top priorities. We are committed to delivering the best medical imaging experience in the world and minimizing your exposure to radiation.

 

 

 

Meet Dr. Bernard J. Veillon - One of Our Radiologists

Dr. Bernard Veillon, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, has lived in Tuscaloosa since 2000. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, his medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical Center-Shreveport, and his fellowship in Body Imaging from University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Veillon maintains board certification through the American College of Radiology.

“With nuclear medicine imagine procedures, we can visualize the function and structure of a bone, tissue, organ or system within the patient’s body that is often not possible using other imaging procedures. While the procedures can be time consuming and require a small amount of radioactive material, the radiation risk is very low compared to the potential benefits. For many diseases, nuclear medicine scans yield the most useful information needed to make an accurate diagnosis and offer the potential to identify them in their earliest stage. Our Nuclear Medicine Technologist works closely with the Radiologist to ensure the exam addresses your patient’s needs.”