Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine exams are noninvasive tests that use small doses of radioactive isotopes to image the functioning of body organs. Nuclear medicine scans provide helpful information about muscle movement of the heart and lungs, blood flow, organ function and bone structures. Nuclear medicine is also used for the follow-up care of cancer patients.

These exams can take anywhere from half an hour to four hours. Lake Health’s Nuclear Medicine services are accredited by the American College of Radiology. 

A physician order is required, and most exams require an appointment.

Nuclear medicine bone scans

Nuclear medicine bone scans (Nuclear SPECT/CT hybrid imaging) are imaging methods used to detect primary and secondary cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, stress fractures, prosthetic joint loosening, cellulitis, infection and more. The images show more detail than many other scans, and SPECT/CT imaging results can even be combined with MRI scans to give more information to help radiologists make a diagnosis.

Nuclear medicine bone scans are performed with a doctor’s referral at University Hospital Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. To schedule an appointment, please call Centralized Scheduling at 440-953-6258.