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About Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
As described by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), Molecular Imaging is a type of medical imaging that provides detailed pictures of what is happening inside the body. Other diagnostic imaging procedures including x-rays, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound provide internal pictures of the body. However, molecular imaging goes a step beyond by allowing physicians to see the internal body structures and also see how the structures are functioning.
Molecular imaging includes the field of nuclear medicine, which uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease. In nuclear medicine imaging, the radiopharmaceuticals are detected by special cameras that provide very precise pictures of the area of the body being imaged. Nuclear medicine can also be used to treat certain types of cancer and other diseases.
How safe is Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging?
Molecular imaging procedures are noninvasive and very safe. When used, the amount of radioactivity used in nuclear medicine procedures is very small. Allergic reactions may occur but are extremely rare and usually mild. Imaging agents are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Why choose us?
Our Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics Team is officially designated as an SNMMI Comprehensive Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence. The Theranostic Center at Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is the first recipient in the state of Arizona to receive this prestigious designation. We offer premier imaging of the brain and neurologic diseases including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Our state-of-the-art PET/CT scanners with time-of-flight technology provide accuracy in imaging leading to improved diagnoses and precision care.