Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine is a specialised field of diagnostic imaging that uses radioactive tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) to examine functional and physiological conditions. It can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of long-term (chronic) or life-threatening diseases.

A doctor who specialises in this field of medicine is a Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician and the imaging equipment is operated by Nuclear Medicine Radiographers.

The nuclear medicine department at our hospitals offer treatment and diagnostic testing for a wide range of chronic and life-threatening diseases and conditions.

Nuclear medicine involves administering a small amount of a radioactive tracer and using special equipment (gamma camera/counter) to track the path it takes in the body. This can be used to investigate:

• Coronary heart disease;
• Heart function;
• Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss;
• Overactive thyroid(hyperthyroidism);
• Thyroid cancer;
• Lymphomas;
• Bone pain caused by cancer;
• Blood disorders, and
• Tumours – bone, brain.

• Positron emission tomography (PET) – this is helpful for assessing a variety of cancers.
• Ventilation and perfusion lung imaging – this is used to diagnose a pulmonary embolus (lung clot).
• Myocardial perfusion imaging – this shows how well blood is able to flow through the heart. Isotope bone scan – this helps to show how quickly osteoblasts (cells that form new bone) are working.
• Single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) – this helps to show metabolic abnormalities.
• SPECT/CT - this combines two different diagnostic scans, with the CT scan helping to localise the problem.

When you visit The Alexandra Hospital in Manchester, you will benefit from:

• Fast access to state-of-the-art imaging – our advanced nuclear medicine capabilities allow complex investigations, as well as therapeutic procedures.
• Rapid reporting – On-site Radiologists report on scans promptly, so that your Consultant has the results sooner and can tailor or adjust your treatment plan as required.
• An experienced team – Our nuclear medicine staff include highly experienced radiologists, radiographers, radiography assistants and nurses. Fast, easy access to a large multi-disciplinary team means that you will always see the most appropriate specialist.
• Location - With excellent road access and a 440-space car park, it is very easy to get to The Alexandra for your nuclear medicine imaging, whether you’re travelling from Manchester or from further afield.

The Alexandra Hospital provides you with peace of mind and safety.

To speak with a specialist, call us on 0161 428 3656 or book online today.