Default size Large text

Nuclear Medicine is the use of radioactive isotopes labelled to pharmaceuticals (drugs), which provide additional information for diagnosis that other tests cannot provide. These tests are routine, safe and simple and there are no after effects from the injection. You will not feel’ funny’ or sleepy and will be able to go about your normal activities.

The department opened in August 2006 with the latest gamma camera from Siemens. We are open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm and are staffed by radiographers, qualified in Nuclear Medicine who undertake a wide range of Nuclear Medicine studies, (imaging and non-imaging techniques).

Patients are referred from GPs and Consultants for a broad range of conditions. A signed request form is required prior to undertaking the procedure. A team of Radiologists who specialise in Nuclear Medicine report the images daily. The reports are typed and sent out with images to the referring Consultant. 

We perform a wide variety of Nuclear Medicine tests and each one follows a different arrangement. For the majority of the tests, no special preparation is required but there are exceptions and these will be explained to you at the time of booking the appointment. Generally you will be given a small injection in your arm, similar to a blood test, and images are taken either immediately or there is a time interval from 20 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the test requested. The images can take from ½ hour to 2 hours to complete.

The radiopharmaceutical is ordered specifically for each patient for a specific test and therefore we need to know in advance if you are unable to attend for the test.

Nuclear Medicine therapy is also undertaken here by specialist Consultants.

If you have any queries or would like to make an appointment please contact us on 020 8247 3428.