Radionucleïdeonderzoek

Radionucleïdeonderzoek, also known as radiotraceronderzoek or nucleaire diagnostiek, is a medical imaging technique that uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers or radionucliden. These tracers are introduced into the body, either by injection, swallowing, or inhalation. Once inside the body, the radiotracers accumulate in specific organs or tissues. The radiation emitted by the tracers is then detected by a special camera, such as a gamma camera or a PET scanner. This camera creates images that show how the tracer is distributed and how it functions within the body.

This technique provides functional information about organs and tissues, unlike standard X-rays or CT scans which primarily show anatomical structures. Radionucleïdeonderzoek is used for a wide range of diagnostic purposes. It can help diagnose conditions like heart disease by assessing blood flow to the heart muscle, identify cancerous tumors and their spread (metastasis), evaluate the function of organs such as the thyroid, kidneys, and lungs, and detect inflammation or infection. The choice of radiotracer depends on the specific organ or condition being investigated. While the use of radioactive material might sound concerning, the doses used in diagnostic imaging are typically very low and considered safe, with the radioactivity quickly decaying and being eliminated from the body.