Some 4,000 patients a year are tested or treated by our Nuclear Medicine staff. These tests evaluate functions of your internal organs using special chemicals that are detected by computers.

The computers create an image of your internal organs or bones so technologists and physicians can evaluate what's going on inside of you.

Our equipment includes a special dual-head camera used to examine heart functions. This device is used to see inside those who've had heart attacks or to diagnose coronary artery disease.

A similar single-head camera, used to explore other internal organs, is also a part of our department.

Nuclear Medicine routinely performs other tests such as:

    Gastric reflux studies identify problems associated with digestion
    Kidney studies isolate the cause of recurrent bladder infections, particularly in children
    Breath tests detect ulcer-causing bacteria to prescribe ulcer treatment
    Stress tests, using either a treadmill or medication, evaluate potential blockages at or
       near the heart
    Bone scans detect disease, infection, tumors and trauma
    Bone density studies detect osteoporosis using low-intensity X-ray

Nuclear Medicine also provides treatment for thyroid conditions and offers pain management for discomfort associated with some cancer treatment.

Learn more about the Sky Lakes Medical Center’s Cancer Treatment Center.

Call Diagnostic Imaging at 541-274-6269 for more information.