Nuclear Medicine at University of Colorado Hospital

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Imaging techniques such as x-rays, MRI and CT scans show images of the structure of the body. Nuclear medicine, a subspecialty within the field of radiology, gives doctors another way of looking inside the body. These techniques, such as PET, focus on the organs and metabolic functions. Nuclear medicine scans can help diagnose disease, tumors, infection and other problems.

How does Nuclear Medicine work?

Images using nuclear medicine technology are developed based on the detection of energy given off by a small amount of radioactive substance given to the patient. This substance is either swallowed or injected into the body. Generally, the amount of radiation is similar to the amount in a standard x-ray. As the substance makes its way through the body, it is absorbed by the organs and tissue and gives off special rays called gamma rays. An organ that is diseased or functioning poorly gives off a different energy than a healthy organ. The nuclear medicine scan “reads” this energy with a special gamma camera and produces an image that doesn’t just show what the organ looks like, but how it is functioning.

Location of Nuclear Medicine at University of Colorado Hospital

University of Colorado Hospital
Anschutz Medical Campus
Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion (AOP), 1st Floor
Suite 1300
1635 Aurora Court
Aurora, CO 80010

Maps and Directions

To make an appointment call (720) 848-1200

Nuclear Medicine Team at University of Colorado Hospital

Radiologist – a doctor that specializes in performing and interpreting tests that use radiation technology to diagnose and treat diseases.

Radiologic Technologists – work under the direction of a Radiologist to perform diagnostic test using radiation technology

Radiologic Technologist Assistants

Nurses