Nuclear Imaging

Nuclear medicine (NM) is centered on the use of radiotracers to better visualize the inside of the body during imaging tests. At the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, we offer an array of nuclear imaging tests as part of our Nuclear Medicine Services. Through these non-invasive procedures, we aim to provide early and accurate diagnosis and treatment services to address a variety of diseases.

Manned by highly trained NM physicians and technologists, AHMC’s Nuclear Medicine Services offers the following nuclear imaging procedures:

• Thyroid scan and uptake – This test is used to detect any abnormalities in the structure and function of the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism. Here, such problems, including an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and thyroid cancer can be diagnosed and subsequently treated using the radiotracer sodium I-131 (radioiodine).
  
• Parathyroid study – Tc-99m-Sestamibi is the radiopharmaceutical agent of choice to determine problems with the parathyroid glands, which control calcium levels in the blood. The test is primarily done to diagnose hyperparathyroidism or detect nodules and tumors in these glands.
  
• Myocardial perfusion study – Also known as a nuclear stress test, a myocardial perfusion study is done to assess the heart’s pumping action, specifically how well blood flows through the heart muscle and which areas of the heart are not getting sufficient blood. Tc99m-Sestamibi is also used as a radioactive agent to better visualize blood flow through the arteries.
  
• Lymphoscintigraphy – This is a test that provides images of the lymphatic system, which circulates lymph fluid that contains white blood cells and lymphocytes from the immune system to the rest of the body. Using unfiltered Tc-99m-Sulfur Colloid acting as a radioactive agent, lymphoscintigraphy allows for the detection of blocked lymph nodes, as well as the presence and extent of cancer.
  
• Gastrointestinal bleeding study – During this test, Tc-99m-Red Blood Cells is injected into the bloodstream to determine the cause of bleeding in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. It is typically recommended in cases when the patient is vomiting blood or passing blood in stools.
  
• Renal glomerular filtration study – This test is done to assess the kidney’s functions, particularly its ability to filter the blood, by measuring the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). To get the most accurate GFR, Tc-99m-DTPA is used as the agent during nuclear renal imaging.
  
• Meckel’s diverticulum study – This test is used to detect any displaced gastric mucosa in the bowel, which causes symptoms such as bloody stools and severe abdominal pain. Tc99m-Pertechnetrate is used to locate and highlight the gastric mucosa during imaging.
  
• Gastroesophageal reflux study – Tc-99m-Sulfur Colloid is used to clearly visualize the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine, and determine the cause and extent of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  
• Lung ventilation and perfusion study – For the lung ventilation study, Tc-99m-DTPA Aerosol is inhaled and used to evaluate the flow of air in and out of the lungs (breathing). Meanwhile, Tc99m-Macroaggregate Albumin is injected into the blood and used to assess the circulation of blood within the lungs.
  
• Bone scan – Radiotracers Tc99m-MDP and Tc99m-HDP are used to highlight abnormalities and infections present in the bone. A bone scan is typically recommended to determine whether cancer has spread (metastasized) from another organ to the bone.
  
• Whole body scan – This test uses sodium I-131 to detect any signs of thyroid cancer recurrence following the removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).

For inquiries and appointments, you may call +(632) 8-771-9000.