Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Hospital in Dhakuria

The Nuclear Medicine Department at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, focuses on offering a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures by collaborating with various specialities. By utilising state-of-the-art equipment, we cater to a wide spectrum of patients, including children and geriatric patients, except pregnant women and breast-feeding patients, thereby providing world-class for individuals across all age groups and medical conditions.

OUR STORY

Know About Us

Why Manipal?

As a distinguished facility in the state, Manipal Hospitals in Dhakuria is committed to delivering cutting-edge healthcare to the community, prioritising exceptional patient care, and leveraging advanced treatments. Our nuclear medicine specialists are highly skilled in employing substantial or small doses of radioactive substances to aid in precise cancer detection, as well as evaluating organ function. Moreover, the facility ensures valuable therapeutic applications for all patients, including inpatient and outpatient populations. Our advanced imaging technologies, coupled with experienced specialists proficient in Nuclear Medicine, enable us to offer comprehensive diagnostic services. Furthermore, the Manipal Hospitals emphasises holistic support throughout each patient's healthcare journey.

Treatment & Procedures

Bone Scan

A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test used to help diagnose problems with bones. It safely uses a very small amount of radioactive drug called a radiopharmaceutical. This scan is done in case of unexplained skeletal pain, bone infection, the spread of a tumour to bones or any bone injury that can't be seen on a standard X-ray.

Myocardial Infusion Scan Pharmacological…

This test is mainly to look at the blood supply of the heart, both during exercise and rest. In some cases, if the stress part of the scan looks normal, rest scan may not be performed. Can have light breakfast not later than 6.30 am (2 idlys/sandwich). No coffee /tea/chocolates/caffeine-containing substances for 12-24 hours. Should stop medications…

Myocardial Infusion Scan TMT Stress-Instructions

This test is mainly to look at the blood supply of the heart, both during exercise and rest. In some cases, if the stress part of the scan looks normal, rest scan may not be performed.

Renal Scan-DTPA & EC-Instructions

A small dose of radioactive injection is given IV and initial images are acquired for 30mins. Many patients may require a delayed Images after 2 hours(will be decided by the doctor after seeing the initial scan)

PET Scan-Whole Body Instructions

Pet-Ct Scan

Renal scan- DMSA

Renal Scan- DMSA

Thyroid Scan

Thyroid Scan is a specialized imaging procedure for examining the thyroid, gland that controls metabolism. During this scan a radioactive iodine or 99mTc tracer is used to examine the structure and function of the thyroid gland.

How is Nuclear Medicine relevant to patient diagnosis and treatment?

Nuclear Medicine holds significant relevance in offering precise diagnoses and treatments. Some of them include:

Diagnosis of Heart conditions, especially in cardiomyopathy
It helps in assessing organ function, blood flow, metabolic activity, and other physiological process
Allows accurate cancer diagnosis, which aids in staging and guiding treatment plans
Used in treating cancer and other medical conditions, such as Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer.

What diagnostic imaging tests are conducted in Nuclear Medicine?

The most common types of diagnostic imaging scans in Nuclear Medicine include:

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Scan (SPECT)
Nuclear Renal Scans, such as Renal Scintigraphy
99 Tc Thyroid Scan and Uptake or Parathyroid Scan for the diagnosis of thyroid-related conditions
131 Iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIGB) Scintigraphy for metastatic workup in cancer
18-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan for cancer diagnosis in breast, lung, and other conditions.
Gallium 68 prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET CT scans for diagnosis of prostate-related conditions.

What should I expect during a Nuclear Medicine diagnostic procedure?

Before the procedure, you will be given a tracer via injection, inhalation, or ingestion. You might have to wait for a certain time for the tracer to circulate throughout the body to reach the specific tissue or organ under examination. A camera sensitive to radiation is placed over you to monitor how the tracer behaves in the targeted organ or tissue. Necessary information is analysed by the radiologist to assess the function of the organ. The radioactive material from the tracer will naturally leave your body within a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of tracer and the specific procedure employed.

Are radiations used in Nuclear Medicine procedures safe?

The dosage for a radiotracer that is used in diagnostic procedures depends on factors such as the patient’s body weight, the reason for the procedure, and the part of the organ or tissue assessed. Nuclear medicine specialists adhere to the ALARA principle,i.e., as low as reasonably achievable, ensuring the lowest reasonably achievable radiation exposure while maintaining test accuracy. Radiopharmaceuticals are adeptly targeted towards the targeted organ, thereby minimising the overall radiation to the body.

Does it hurt during a Nuclear Medicine procedure?

Nuclear Medicine procedures are typically painless. In cases where radioactive material is administered, it is similar to a routine blood draw. However, injections for scintigraphy scans might cause mild discomfort that lasts for a few seconds. You may experience significant or mild uneasiness from having to maintain stillness or a specific position. It is important to be motionless during the procedure to ensure clear pictures.

What is the typical duration of a Nuclear Medicine Imaging test?

The time required for a scan varies based on the organ that is studied or examined, and the type of procedure employed. A general nuclear medicine procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, with an additional waiting period for the tracer to reach the targeted organ or tissue. Iodine thyroid scans usually take 30 minutes or less, with radiotracer uptake starting several hours to 24 hours prior to ingestion. A multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan, which shows the amount of blood that is pumped in each heartbeat, can last up to 3 hours, varying based on the number of images required. Results of the scans are usually available within a few days post-procedure.

What complications or risks are associated with Nuclear Medicine?

Complications that may arise when a patient has any diagnostic or therapeutic interventions associated with Nuclear Medicine include:

Radiation Exposure: Possibility of adverse consequences from radiation.
Allergic Reactions: Responses to contrast materials used in certain nuclear medicine treatments.
Organ Damage: In rare cases, radiation exposure can cause organ damage.
Infection Risk: There is little chance of infection at the sites of injection or biopsy.
Unusual Side Effects: Like nausea or dizziness.

How can I book an appointment with a specialist in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal?

You can book an appointment with a specialist in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, telephonically, or by visiting our website to make an appointment.

Will the treatment expenses be covered by my insurance?

Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, typically accepts most major health insurance plans, from personal to corporate. To check coverage and claim discounts in the case of personal insurance, kindly check your policy brochure to ascertain which ailments or surgeries are covered. While corporate insurance is tailor-made and the policy differs from corporate to corporate, it's better to contact your HR for the same.

To claim insurance, a patient or their kin must produce valid policy papers and an E-mediclaim card before admission.