Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine is a specialized imaging method that uses a very small amount of nuclear tracer to evaluate soft tissues that are often difficult to see on standard imaging tests. This technique helps providers assess organ function, blood flow, and metabolic activity, offering important insight into conditions such as infections, tumors, or organ enlargement. At Vernon Health, our skilled team uses advanced nuclear imaging to support accurate diagnoses and guide your care with confidence and clarity.

What Nuclear Medicine Shows

Nuclear Medicine focuses on how your organs and tissues are working—not just what they look like. This type of imaging helps evaluate blood circulation, metabolism, and how well specific organs perform essential functions. Your provider may recommend a nuclear scan when detailed information is needed to better understand your symptoms or guide treatment decisions. These tests are safe, non-invasive, and provide valuable information that other imaging methods may not reveal.

When a Nuclear Scan Is Recommended

A nuclear scan may be ordered when your healthcare provider needs a deeper view of how your body is functioning internally. This imaging can help detect infections, assess tumors, identify organ enlargement, or evaluate how your body processes nutrients. It can also offer insight into heart function, gallbladder activity, thyroid performance, kidney filtration, or how quickly the stomach empties. If your provider recommends this test, our team will explain the process and support you every step of the way.

Nuclear Tests Offered at Vernon Health

Cardiolite Nuclear Stress Tests

Used to assess heart function and blood flow during physical stress or activity.

Helps evaluate gallbladder function and bile flow.

Used to assess concerns such as cancer, bone density, osteomyelitis, or stress fractures.

Measures how quickly food empties from the stomach to support evaluation of digestive function.

Assesses thyroid performance and helps evaluate thyroid-related conditions.

Evaluates how well the kidneys filter and process blood.

FAQ

Have questions about care at Vernon Health? Our team is here to help. For more information or to speak with someone about your care, please call (608) 637-2101.

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine is a specialized type of imaging that uses a very small amount of radioactive tracer to evaluate how organs and tissues are functioning. Unlike traditional imaging that shows structure, nuclear medicine helps providers see blood flow, metabolism, and organ performance to better understand what is happening inside your body.

Is a nuclear medicine test safe?

Yes. Nuclear medicine tests use a very small amount of radioactive tracer that is carefully selected for safety and effectiveness. The tracer leaves your body naturally over time. These tests are non-invasive and are performed under the supervision of trained imaging professionals to ensure your comfort and safety.

What should I expect during a nuclear medicine exam?

During your exam, a tracer will be administered—usually through an IV, by mouth, or by injection—depending on the type of study ordered. You may need to wait for the tracer to circulate before imaging begins. The scan itself is painless and may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the exam. Our team will guide you through each step and answer any questions you may have.

Here for Your Health

At Vernon Health, we’re committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care wherever you are in your health journey. Explore our trusted providers and convenient locations to find the right support for you.

Find a Provider
Our Locations

Other Services