Nuclear Medicine

This department uses radioactive material to diagnose different types of disease like cancers, heart diseases, kidney disease, liver and gall bladder disease and certain other abnormalities within the body. Normal X-Rays pass x-rays throughout the patient’s body to get an image whereas Nuclear medicine uses a ‘radiotracer’ which is either injected, swallowed or inhaled which gives out gamma rays which is then picked up by the gamma camera detailing the structure and function of organs and tissues in the patient’s body. The Nuclear Medicine Department of Labaid Hospital offers a number of Nuclear Medicine diagnostic tests using state-of-the-art technology and facilities within the department. The diagnostic service is offered throughout the week and includes:

• Bone Scan
• Thyroid Scan
• DTPA Renogram
• DMSA Scan
• Testicular Scan
• GI Bleeding   
• Meckel’s diverticulum
• Bone Mineral Density / DEXA scan

After scanning, the consultant will check the images to see that they are of high enough quality for accurate interpretation. If more scans are needed the patient can later come back. Normally, no recovery time is needed after a nuclear medicine exam. The patient will be able to drive oneself home, or even go back to work immediately after the appointment.