Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics in North Waterloo
Nuclear diagnostic tests are performed by setting up an IV or injecting a small amount of a diagnostic isotope, which is absorbed by different organ systems for each test, allowing a set or series of images to be taken to enable a diagnosis of that organ's level of functioning.
All images are interpreted and read by our nuclear radiologist, Dr. Nimu Ganguli, MD FRCPC (Site Chief of Medical Imaging and Director of Nuclear Medicine at William Osler Hospital).
All images are interpreted and read by our nuclear radiologist, Dr. Nimu Ganguli, MD FRCPC (Site Chief of Medical Imaging and Director of Nuclear Medicine at William Osler Hospital).
Cardiology
XThis branch of nuclear medicine looks for blockages in major arteries. It is done in two parts either on the same day or within 2 days. In the first part, a radioactive material is injected and images of the heart are taken in its resting state.
In the second part, the patient walks on a tread mill or is given a medication to "exercise" the heart, so that images taken will show blood flow to the heart. Then both sets of images are compared, to show if the patient suffered from a heart attack, stroke, has major blockages or normal blood flow.
In the second part, the patient walks on a tread mill or is given a medication to "exercise" the heart, so that images taken will show blood flow to the heart. Then both sets of images are compared, to show if the patient suffered from a heart attack, stroke, has major blockages or normal blood flow.
Bone Scans
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This test uses an injected isotope to show bone physiology and how bone cells are functioning versus taking an X-ray of the bone structures. The wait time is 2 - 4 hours for the isotope to be absorbed and for the 2nd set of images to be taken. The whole body is scanned from head to toe, then tailored to the specifics with a set or series of images taken. A bone scan is used to show fractures, diagnose arthritis (both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid), bone cancer, and metabolic bone diseases.
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Thyroid Test
w The purpose of this test is to image the function of the thyroid - its size, shape and location. It will image active nodules found in the thyroid and differentiate between functioning and non-functioning nodules. It can help diagnose hyperthyroidism, check for Grave's disease and thyroiditis.
Renal Scans
After injecting a radioactive isotope, this scan will check how well the kidneys are functioning. Images are taken of the kidneys collective systems including the bladder to see how well they absorb and filter the blood.
Lung Scans (Emergency Procedure)
This checks for blood clots in the lungs and is done in 2 parts. In the first part, the patient inhales a radioactive material and images are captured of the airflow to the lungs. This is then compared to the second part, where the patient receives an injection of the isotope, and a second set of images are captured looking at the blood flow to the lungs.
Gastro Intestinal (GI) Scans
1. Billiary Scan - This is a liver and gall bladder test to check for billiary dyskinesis and gallbladder ejection function. This demonstrates how well the gall bladder fills and empties and how well it is functioning. It is used to rule out acute vs. chronic cholecystitis.
2. Salivary Scan - This checks for inflammation and blockages in the salivary glands
3. Gastric Emptying Study - In this study the patient eats a small radioactive meal (eg. egg salad sandwich), images are then taken as the food travels from the esophagus to the stomach and into to the bowel, measuring how fast the patient digests a meal.
4. Red Blood Cell Labelled Liver Scan - A radioactive isotope is injected into the blood stream to make the blood radioactive as it flows to the liver. It demonstrates the size, shape and location of the liver and checks for a hemangioma (a collection of blood vessels). It is done in combination with an ultrasound and ct-scan.
5. Liver Spleen Scan - A radioactive tracer is injected and images are taken of the liver and spleen to see how well the cells are functioning.
