Nuclear Medicine provides diagnostic imaging to assess bodily functions. It is used for both diagnosis and treatment.
About this service
We offer diagnostic imaging for a wide variety of body parts and conditions as well as therapeutic services.
We usually give you an injection of a small amount of a radioactive liquid into a vein in your arm and then take pictures straight away, at a later time, or both, to see where that liquid has gone.
Who we care for
We offer these services for free if you have a Medicare card.
How to access this service
You need a referral from your specialist or GP to access this service. Your doctor may choose to contact us directly.
We will contact you to book your scan once we have received your referral.
The Nuclear Medicine Department is open from 8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
If you need to contact us, our phone number is (02) 5124 2439.
What to expect
We will normally give you a phone call to tell you about your specific scan including:
- how long it will take
- any needed preparations
- an outline of the procedure
- and to answer any initial questions.
When you arrive for your scan, one of our Technologists will explain the scan to you and ask you a few questions about your medical history.
We then inject a small amount of a radioactive liquid, called a tracer, into a vein in your arm. We use quite small needles and our tracers don’t cause any side effects or harm your kidneys.
Our scans can take a long time and we will make you as comfortable as possible.
What to bring to your appointment
- Medicare card
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
Where we’re located
Medical Imaging, Building 12, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.
From the main entrance, go past the lifts and follow the Blue Line on the floor to the Medical Imaging Reception.
We have directions and transport information for Canberra Hospital.
Information for referrers
Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.
Referrals are accepted by:
- Phone: (02) 5124 2159 or (02) 6174 5317
- Fax: (02) 5124 2494
- SmartForm.
