At Banner Health, we offer advanced nuclear medicine imaging to help detect and treat many health conditions. These imaging procedures use a small amount of radioactive tracers to create detailed pictures of how your organs and tissues are working. If your doctor has recommended a scan, we’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Nuclear medicine tests are safe, painless scans that help doctors see inside your body. Unlike regular CT scans, nuclear medicine provides dimensional images that show how your organs are working - not just how they look.
These tests use small amounts of radioactive material (called tracers), which may be injected, swallowed or inhaled. A special camera called a gamma camera detects the tracers to create the images.
These tests are helpful for diagnosis and treatment of conditions like heart disease, cancer and brain disorders.
The type of nuclear medicine scan you need will depend on the type of condition being evaluated. Common nuclear medicine procedures include:
Preparation instructions vary and may depend on the type of scan you’re getting. In general, you may be asked to:
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions based on your specific test.
You will be given a small amount of a radioactive tracer, usually through an IV. After the tracer moves through your body:
These nuclear medicine scans give doctors a clearer picture of how your body is working. They can be an important step in getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
Yes. Radiation exposure during nuclear medicine imaging is low. The small amounts of radioactive material used in the scan leave your body within a few days.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before your test. They can help you weigh the benefits and any possible risks.
You can get nuclear medicine scans at many Banner Health locations, including:
Our care team is here to support you and answer any questions before, during and after your nuclear medicine procedures.
These tests highlight how your organs and tissues are functioning. For example, they can show blood flow, metabolism or how well your heart or kidneys are working - rather than just structure.
CT scans give detailed images of body structures. Nuclear medicine imaging shows how those structures are working, often by using radioactive tracers to create dimensional images.
Yes. These procedures use a small amount of radioactive material and involve low radiation exposure. The tracer typically leaves your body within a couple of days.
Preparation depends on the type of nuclear medicine test. You may need to avoid food, drinks or certain medications. Your provider will give you clear instructions before your scan.
Banner Health offers these tests at our hospitals, clinics and select Banner Imaging locations. Your doctor can help you schedule the right test for your needs.
From PET scans to SPECT scans and more, Banner Health provides expert care in nuclear medicine imaging. We’ll work with your doctor to choose the best test for your needs—and make sure you feel supported at every stage.
Find a Banner Health location near you or talk with your provider to schedule your scan.
Whatever your need, your doctor can refer you to one of our conveniently located free-standing imaging centers or one of our hospitals.
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