Nuclear Medicine Imaging

Safe, Accurate Nuclear Medicine Scans in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health is a leader in nuclear medicine imaging. You have access to the latest technology and highly trained radiologists specializing in this field. Many of our experts have advanced fellowship training. They follow the latest science in nuclear imaging and help advance the field through research. 

Nuclear imaging radiologists promptly share information about your scan results with other specialists you are seeing. They work together to help you receive timely therapies reflecting your needs. 

What Is Nuclear Imaging? 

For this type of test, you receive a small dose of a radioactive substance (tracer) by mouth or injection. The tracer collects in areas of chemical changes or unusual cell activity and emits X-rays. A special scanner picks up the X-rays, creating a sophisticated image that includes the precise location of the tracer. Your body eliminates the tracer within a day or two.  

Conditions We Assess Using Nuclear Imaging

Nuclear medicine scans enable us to investigate the structure and function of organs, bones and other tissues. 

We use these scans to assess signs of:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Heart disease
• Thyroid Disorders
• Infections
• Kidney disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Respiratory disorders

Types of Nuclear Medicine Scans We Offer 

We offer a full Nuclear Medicine service. Nuclear imaging studies we frequently perform include:

Bone Scans

Bone scans help us detect fractures that might not appear on standard imaging tests, like X-rays. They also show signs of arthritis, cancer, infection, poor blood supply and damaged bone tissue.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans in conjunction with Shields

PET scans show whether organs and supportive tissues are working as expected. We use this nuclear imaging study to show heart issues such as coronary artery disease. You may also need it if you are experiencing seizure activity that is not responsive to standard therapies.

PET scans also enable us to detect changes in cell activity, like cancer, earlier than it would show on a CT scan or MRI. This scan helps us diagnose cancer and determine whether therapies are working. 

Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT or SPECT/CT) Scan

SPECT shows how well blood flows through arteries, veins, organs and bone. You take a special type of tracer that emits high-energy gamma rays. We use a gamma camera to detect the location and activity of the gamma rays. A computer converts this information into 3D images. 

Thyroid Scans

This scan makes it possible to evaluate thyroid structure and function. You may need a thyroid scan if you are showing signs of an overactive or underactive thyroid. It involves taking a small amount of radioactive iodine by mouth. We perform a nuclear scan a few hours later.