What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine involves giving patients tracers which follow various processes in the body. We can detect the small amount of radiation given off by these tracers outside the body using sensitive gamma cameras and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, and use this information to create maps of how well that process is working. Larger doses of certain types of tracer can also be used to treat disease.

We offer a full range of diagnostic radionuclide imaging tests at Central Manchester University Hospitals, from routine bone, heart and kidney scans to more complicated procedures including PET-CT (cardiac, neurology, paediatric, oncology, infection), white cell labelling, and platelet kinetics. We also provide radionuclide therapy for thyrotoxicosis and synovectomy. A full list of the procedures we offer can be found in the 'Information for Healthcare Professionals' here.

For more information about Nuclear Medicine, please see these pages on the British Nuclear Medicine Society website.