Skintigrafi

Skintigrafi is a diagnostic imaging technique used in nuclear medicine. It involves the administration of a small amount of radioactive material, known as a radiopharmaceutical, into the body. This radiopharmaceutical is designed to accumulate in specific organs or tissues. A special camera, called a gamma camera, detects the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceutical. The camera then creates images that show the distribution of the radioactive tracer within the body.

The primary purpose of skintigrafi is to assess the function and structure of organs and tissues. It can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including infections, tumors, blood flow abnormalities, and organ damage. The specific type of radiopharmaceutical used depends on the organ or tissue being examined and the condition being investigated. For example, a technetium-99m labeled tracer might be used for bone scans, while iodine-131 could be used for thyroid imaging.

The procedure is generally considered safe, as the amount of radiation administered is small and decays relatively quickly. Patients typically do not experience side effects from the radiopharmaceutical. Skintigrafi is a non-invasive procedure, meaning it does not require surgery. The images produced by skintigrafi provide valuable information that can help physicians make accurate diagnoses and plan appropriate treatment strategies. It is a cornerstone of nuclear medicine diagnostics.