Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses different types of one hundred percent safe techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of diseases. It is, without a doubt, one of the most important advances in the area of ​​medicine and technology. Of course, to make the most of all the benefits of nuclear medicine, it is essential to have the most modern equipment and the best professionals in the area, essential for an adequate diagnosis, as is the case of Affidea, who have more than 25 years of experience in the area and stand out for providing a service that meets the highest quality standards.

Advantages of nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine, as we mentioned earlier, is a specialty that uses different types of equipment and techniques, with the aim of making much more precise diagnoses, which makes it easier for the specialist doctor to establish an adequate treatment. Here we share some of the most powerful reasons why nuclear medicine is key to the diagnosis and treatment of a large number of diseases and conditions.

The studies carried out in nuclear medicine are completely safe for patients, and as an additional advantage, they are completely painless. In this sense, it is important to note that the drugs used are usually composed of molecules that, naturally, the body uses for its proper functioning. On the other hand, with regard to radiation levels, these are usually very low, almost like a traditional chest x-ray, although it is important to note that these levels may vary depending on the study to be performed. Thanks to nuclear medicine it is possible make a much more precise and accurate diagnosis, which translates into more advantages for the patient when receiving a more effective treatment. These types of studies have a high level of sensitivity in terms of all the true positives that the tests detect and the total number of sick people. In addition, it is important to remember that a good diagnosis is the basis for increasing the chances of success in any setting and treatment. The different studies carried out in the area of ​​nuclear medicine are completely painless for patients, that is, they are not tests that can be annoying, uncomfortable or painful. Quite the opposite, the patient will be completely comfortable during the performance of the same. In addition, in the vast majority of cases, it does not require any type of prior preparation.

Types of diagnostic tests

Thanks to the advancement of medicine and technology, today there are a large number of diagnostic tests. Here we share some of the most outstanding:
scintigraphy: This test is one of the most used in nuclear medicine, and thanks to it, it is possible to obtain an image of the different organs, which is key for diagnosis and follow-up. To do this, a drug containing radioactive substances is used. Within scintigraphy there are specialties, such as bone or thyroid scintigraphy. Single or single photon emission tomography: Known by its acronym as SPECT, this test uses radiopharmaceuticals that are distributed throughout the body. It is a test that does not require any prior preparation. It is a very useful study to know the molecular alterations of a specific organ. Positron emission tomography or PET: For this test, drugs are also distributed throughout the body, but they are other substances different from those used by SPECT. This type of study is key to obtaining more specific information about the functioning of a specific organ.
Nuclear medicine represents one of the greatest advances in medicine and it is crucial to make clear and accurate diagnoses. In addition, the equipment is becoming more powerful, more precise and generates fewer side effects, not to mention that it is comfortable tests for patients. The important thing is to always perform them in the best and most experienced diagnostic centers, to obtain a reliable result.