Nuclear Medicine Imaging at Clermont
What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine imaging is how a particular part of your body functions at the cellular level. A radiotracer is introduced into your body by our certified technologist, via an injection or orally ingested. It is then absorbed by a specific tissue or organ and is detected by a gamma camera. Disease begins at the cellular level, nuclear imaging has the potential to identify disease in an earlier and more treatable stage, often before other tests can reveal abnormalities.
How should I prepare?
For most procedures patients should drink plenty of water the day before and the day of the procedure for hydration purposes. Each procedure varies in requirements and time needed for imaging. Consult the scheduler to determine what directions should be followed for each specific procedure. Wear comfortable clothing with no zippers, snaps or metal.
Nuclear Medicine Menu
3 Phase Bone Scan
Whole Body Bone Scan
DaTscan
Gastric Empty Study
Hepatobiliary (HIDA) Study
Gated Blood Pool (MUGA)
Parathyroid Scan
Renal Scan
Thyroid Uptake
What should I expect?
A patient can be imaged shortly after administration of the radionuclide or up to four hours later, each procedure has different requirements. You will not feel any differently after your body absorbs the radionuclide; it has no side effects and does not cause you to feel side effects. The radioactive dose will be eliminated through your urinary system and disappear naturally over the next several hours or days.
How do I get my results?
After your study is complete, our board-certified radiologists will evaluate the images from your nuclear scan and send a complete report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
FAQs - Nuclear Medicine Imaging
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material to visualize how organs and tissues function, helping diagnose conditions like heart disease, cancer, and bone disorders.
Nuclear medicine shows physiology and function, while CT/MRI primarily show anatomy and structure. This functional insight often detects disease earlier.
It’s commonly used for heart scans, bone scans, thyroid studies, renal function tests, cancer staging, and more.
Preparation varies by study — you may be instructed to fast, avoid caffeine, or stop certain medications. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
Nuclear medicine uses a low dose of radioactive tracer. The benefits of accurate diagnosis typically outweigh the minimal risk, and radiation exposure is carefully controlled.
A tracer is injected, swallowed, or inhaled. After a waiting period for uptake, you’ll lie still while a special camera captures images.
Exam times vary by study — from about 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the type of imaging and tracer used.
Most nuclear medicine tests are painless. You might feel slight discomfort from the injection but no pain from the imaging itself.
A board-certified radiologist interprets your scan and sends the results to your referring physician, who will discuss findings with you.
Yes — Clermont Radiology requires a physician’s order before scheduling any nuclear medicine procedure.
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Make an Appointment
Filling out the form does not guarantee an appointment until confirmed via phone or email by a patient care representative.
In a continued effort to improve patient care, we will now require all orders on file prior to scheduling for the following exams:
- MRI
- CT
- PET
- Nuclear Medicine
Clinical notes are needed prior to requesting authorization. Any delay in receiving the necessary notes may result in the rescheduling of appointments.
