The Nuclear Medicine service at Wollongong Hospital provides:

• Nuclear Scans – such as cardiac, bone, thyroid and SPECT scans including therapeutic procedures.

All patients who have a referral for a diagnostic or therapeutic nuclear medicine procedure will be seen at this clinic.

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive medication (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease. These radioactive materials are usually injected into a vein, but are sometimes swallowed or inhaled.

A gamma camera tracks the movement of the radiopharmaceuticals from outside the body by detecting the gamma radiation emitted by the medication. Depending on the type of test, two or three dimensional images of the internal body can be created.

Radiopharmaceuticals can be used to treat hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, solid tumours and bone metastases.

How can I access this service?

These services require a referral from a Medical Practitioner or Specialist.

What should I bring?

Your referral letter and Medicare Card.