Nuclear Medicine | Imaging | Corewell Health

/ Nuclear Medicine

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Powerful, precise imaging

Nuclear medicine makes it possible for doctors to see how your organs are functioning and detect early-stage disease. Doctors give you a small, safe dose of a radiotracer, a material that can be tracked as it moves throughout your body. Radiation levels are minimal and carefully monitored to ensure safety.

Why nuclear medicine?

Nuclear medicine is an effective method to detect, diagnose, monitor, or guide treatment of several conditions, including:

Bone and joint problems
Brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and others
Cancer
Digestive disorders
Heart and vascular disease
Lung disease
Thyroid disease

Tests we provide

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan

Uses radioactive tracers to detect abnormalities in body tissues, which can help diagnose many different conditions.

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)/CT scan

Combines radioactive tracers with CT scans for a detailed evaluation of bones, heart, or tumors.

PET/CT scan

Combines PET and CT scans for more detailed images to diagnose and monitor cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more.

Use MyChart to Request a Referral and to Self-Schedule

Communicate directly with your doctor in MyChart. Self-scheduling is available for most imaging tests, and many locations offer same-day or next-day appointments.

Use MyChart to Request a Referral and to Self-Schedule

Communicate directly with your doctor in MyChart. Self-scheduling is available for most imaging tests, and many locations offer same-day or next-day appointments.

Use MyChart to Request a Referral and to Self-Schedule

Communicate directly with your doctor in MyChart. Self-scheduling is available for most imaging tests, and many locations offer same-day or next-day appointments.

Use MyChart to Request a Referral and to Self-Schedule

Communicate directly with your doctor in MyChart. Self-scheduling is available for most imaging tests, and many locations offer same-day or next-day appointments.

What to expect

Most procedures take from as little as ten minutes to up to 90 minutes. For your visit, wear comfortable clothes without metal features, leave your jewelry and valuables at home, and make sure to check with your doctor about eating and drinking prior to the procedure. These scans are typically not painful, though there may be some discomfort. Sometimes a mild sedation can be provided. If you have questions before your procedure, you can communicate directly with your care team in MyChart or ask your care team when you arrive.

Anything else I need to know beforehand?

Is nuclear medicine safe?