In the case of the kidneys, they tell the physician the condition of the kidneys and their functioning ability. In the lung scan, the patient is given a small amount of xenon, a radioactive gas, to breathe. The ability of the patient to properly exchange air in the lungs can be evaluated this way. The patient is then given an injection of micron-sized particles which allows evaluation of the blood circulation to the lungs. At present, a full range of diagnostic Nuclear Medicine services is available at St. Mary's.
Therapeutic treatment is limited to thyroid problems.
The greatest number of cases involves bone scans which lately have been revealing a number of micro-fractures of the feet and lower extremities suffered by joggers.