Nuclear Medicine Tests

Nuclear medicine is a division of diagnostic imaging. During a nuclear medicine test, you can rest assured that you will be safe from overexposure to radiation. 

Four Steps to a Nuclear Medicine Procedure

Step 1 - Preparation:

You receive a radioactive medicine or tracer through injection, swallowing or breathing.  Different compounds are used to study different parts of the body. Depending on the type of procedure you are to have, your doctor may also instruct you on additional preparations.

Step 2 - Circulation:

As the tracer travels through your body, it gives off invisible gamma rays that the scanner can see. The tracer collects in the area your doctor wishes us to study. Depending on the compound used, it may reach its destination in a matter of minutes or it may take several hours, possibly days.

Step 3 - Scanning:

The scanner records the gamma rays from the tracer as invisible flashes of light. These are then combined to create a picture of the part of the body being tested. A computer is used to give extra information about the function of the area being scanned.

Step 4 - Results:

A board certified nuclear medicine physician will read the pictures and create a report that is available to your doctor in one working day.

CONTACT US

Locations and Hours

UPMC Williamsport

700 High Street 
Williamsport PA, 17701
East Entrance, 2nd Floor
570-321-2400
Hours:  7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

UPMC Muncy

215 East Water Street
Muncy PA, 17756
570-546-4176
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

How To Schedule An Appointment

All nuclear medicine procedures are scheduled through our central scheduling office and can be reached at 570-321-2400.

Scheduling Hours:  8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.