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Nuclear Medicine

Functional and metabolic cancer diagnosis (PET-CT and gammagraphy).

Accurate diagnosis for better clinical decision and more effective follow-up.

Nuclear medicine

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine is an advanced medical specialty that uses small amounts of radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose, monitor and, in some cases, treat different diseases in a precise and minimally invasive way. Through functional imaging techniques, such as PET-CT and scintigraphy, Nuclear Medicine allows us to observe the functioning of organs, tissues and metabolic processes in the body. facilitating earlier detection and more accurate assessment of various pathologies, especially in the areas of oncology, neurology and cardiology.

Pathologies

What pathologies do we study?

Functional imaging and molecular diagnosis in four major areas of clinical application, with PET-CT, SPECT and scintigraphy.

Benign Pathologies

Detection, staging, follow-up and evaluation of tumor response.

  • Neurology — Dementia, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy
  • Cardiology — Myocardial
    Ischemia and Viability Endocrinology — Thyroid, Parathyroid
  • Bone pathology
  • Urology — isotopic renogram
  • Gynecology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Infection and Inflammation

Oncological Pathology

Detection, staging, follow-up and evaluation of tumor response.

  • Breast cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Lymphomas
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Melanomas

Can’t find your pathology?

Each case is unique — our medical committee evaluates the clinical indication individually.

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Diagnosis

Types of tests available

Each Nuclear Medicine test is carried out in a personalised way. Our team adapts the study according to the medical indication and the specific characteristics of each patient.

PET-CT is a non-invasive and painless diagnostic imaging technique in Nuclear Medicine. Unlike conventional X-rays or scans, this test allows you to visualize not only the anatomy, but also the metabolism and function of tissues and organs.
It uses positron-emitting isotopes that allow precise localization of where the injected contrast accumulates, identifying the disease even in very early stages.

Types of PET

Although the equipment is a hybrid unit (it combines PET with Computed Tomography), there are different applications depending on the radiopharmaceutical used:

  • PET with FDG (Fluoride-18): This is the most common. It uses labeled glucose to detect tumors, infections, and brain disorders.
  • Specific radiopharmaceuticals: Advanced tracers are used for greater precision in certain tumors or pathologies, such as:
    • F-Choline and F-PSMA (specific for prostate cancer).
    • Florbetaben or Flutemetamol (for neurology and study of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s).
      Fluorotyrosine, among others.

What is it used for?

Its primary use is to detect where cells have abnormal energy consumption. It is used in:

  • Oncology (85% of cases): For early detection, treatment planning (radiotherapy/chemotherapy), evaluation of response to treatment and detection of recurrences (recurrence of cancer).
  • Neurology: Especially in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and other degenerative diseases.
    Infections and Internal Medicine: Location of hidden infections or problems in prostheses.
  • Cardiology: To study the viability of heart tissue (myocardium).

How is it done?

The process is simple and follow these steps:

  1. Injection: The patient is injected with the radiopharmaceutical (contrast).
  2. Uptake: The patient must wait some time for the cells to metabolize the tracer. Tumor cells, growing faster, consume more glucose (“gasoline”) and accumulate more contrast than healthy cells.
  3. Examination: The patient lies on the CT scanner, which detects radiation emitted from inside the body.
    Image fusion: The system combines metabolic imaging (PET) with anatomical imaging (CT) to create an accurate map of the disease.

Scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that allows functional information to be obtained from organs and tissues. Unlike conventional radiological tests (such as X-rays or CT) that show the shape or structure (anatomy), the scintigraphy shows the functioning and metabolism in real time.

  • It is a safe, non-invasive and minimally annoying technique for the patient.

Types of Scintigraphy

There are several specialized types depending on the body or system to be studied:

  • Bone scan: The most common, used to detect occult fractures, infections, inflammatory processes or bone metastases.
  • Thyroid scan: Evaluates the function of the thyroid gland and helps diagnose nodules or hyperthyroidism.
  • Lung scan: Useful for detecting pulmonary embolisms and evaluating blood flow in the lungs.
  • Renal scan: This studies kidney function and looks for possible urinary blockages.
  • Cardiac scan: This analyzes blood flow in the heart to diagnose ischemia or heart attacks.
  • Others: Applications in the digestive, lymphatic and cerebral systems.

What is it used for?

It is mainly used to detect functional abnormalities that are not visible in other tests:

  • Detect hidden inflammatory or infectious diseases.
  • Evaluate the extent of tumor processes (especially in the bones).
  • Study or rule out coronary heart disease.
  • Analyze cerebral blood flow or the function of organs such as the liver, gallbladder or kidneys.
  • Confirm or rule out thyroid-related hormonal problems.

How is it done?

The procedure consists of four main phases:

  1. Radiopharmaceutical administration: A small amount of radioactive material is introduced into the body, usually intravenously.
  2. Distribution time: A certain amount of time (ranging from minutes to hours, or even days depending on the test) must be waited for the drug to concentrate on the area to be studied.
  3. Imaging: The patient lies on a table under a gamma camera. This special detector captures the radiation emitted from inside the patient and transforms it into detailed images. It is essential to remain still during this step.
  4. Termination: After the test, the patient should drink plenty of fluids to eliminate the radiopharmaceutical through urine or feces. It is recommended to avoid close contact with children or pregnant women for at least 24 hours.
Equipment

Technology used

State-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and shorter response time.

PET-CT scanners

An advanced diagnostic imaging device that combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) in a single exam.

Gamma Camera/SPECT

A nuclear medicine team that detects radiation and creates detailed images of the inside of the body to diagnose diseases or evaluate organ function

How does it work?

What is the process like?

A structured process to minimise time, guarantee safety and ensure well-coordinated care.

Patient Circuit

1

Prescription Appointment Request

The PET test always requires a medical prescription. Contact the center chosen to schedule it. Clinical data (usual medication, if diabetic) and insurance data will be requested. You will receive an SMS with the date and time of the exam.

2

Test Preparation

The day before we will confirm your appointment. Come punctually and, if possible, accompanied. You should fast for 6 hours, drink water, avoid intense exercise and consult with our team about the medication you are taking. Report on medical history or diabetes.

3

Conducting the Exam

Bring medical and insurance documentation. Your blood glucose will be monitored at the centre and the radiopharmaceutical will be administered intravenously. Depending on the PET scan, it will be performed immediately or after a few minutes of rest, with an approximate duration of 20 to 35 minutes. Avoid moving and remove metal objects. The test is safe and painless.

4

After the Test

After the exam, you will be able to eat and drink normally. It is recommended to avoid close contact with pregnant women and young children during that day. Continue to drink fluids to promote the elimination of the radiopharmaceutical.

5

Results

The results are not immediate, as the images must be processed and analysed by specialists in Nuclear Medicine. The centre will inform you about the different means available to access your study.

Patient Circuit

1

Prescription Appointment Request

The PET test always requires a medical prescription. Contact the center chosen to schedule it. Clinical data (usual medication, if diabetic) and insurance data will be requested. You will receive an SMS with the date and time of the exam.

2

Test Preparation

The day before we will confirm your appointment. Come punctually and, if possible, accompanied. The centre’s staff will give you the necessary instructions on whether you should fast or withdraw any medication, depending on the type of scintigraphy. Report on medical history, pregnancy, allergies, infections or cancer treatments.

3

Conducting the Exam

Bring medical and insurance documentation. The radiopharmaceutical will be administered intravenously at the centre, and the scintigraphy or SPECT will be performed immediately or after waiting a certain time. Avoid moving and remove metal objects. The test is safe and painless.

4

After the Test

After the exam, you will be able to eat and drink normally. It is recommended to avoid close contact with pregnant women and young children during that day. Continue to drink fluids to promote the elimination of the radiopharmaceutical.

5

Results

The results are not immediate, as the images must be processed and analysed by specialists in Nuclear Medicine. The centre will inform you about the different means available to access your study.

Comprehensive support throughout the process

In addition to medical treatment, our team is available to answer questions, manage symptoms and accompany you at every stage. Radiotherapy is a path that we travel together.

Our differential value

Why Choose Us?

We combine cutting-edge technology with a people-centred care model.

  • Advanced
    technologyState-of-the-art equipment with millimeter precision control in each treatment session.

  • Agile
    planningFirst preferential visit and initiation of treatment without delay

  • Personalized
    attentionEach treatment plan is designed specifically for the patient, according to the type of tumor, its location and clinical situation.

  • Multidisciplinary
    teamsOncologists, radiophysicists, technicians and specialized nurses work in coordination in each clinical case.

  • Reduced displacement
    Service available in nearby reference hospitals, avoiding long transfers at a delicate time.

  • Hospital
    integrationWe work integrated into the hospital circuit, guaranteeing fluid coordination with the rest of the specialists.

  • Quality and clinical
    safetyWe follow up-to-date international protocols with continuous verification of safety at every stage of treatment.
Where we are

Alliance Medical Centers with Nuclear Medicine Unit

Alliance Medical – Cordoba

Hospital San Juan de Dios, Av. del Brillante, 106, 14012 Córdoba

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

+34 957 85 86 69;+34 688 92 22 01

See Centre Book Appointment

Alliance Medical – Grenada

Pol. Ind. Juncaril – Parcela 102, 18210 Peligros, Granada

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

+34 958 40 18 13;+34 621 34 73 71

See Centre Book Appointment

Alliance Medical – Jeréz de la Frontera

Calle Newton 13, 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

+34 856 56 59 84;+34 664 24 25 32

See Centre Book Appointment

Alliance Medical – La Línea de la Concepción

Carretera Av. del Higuerón, 109, Pol. Zabal Bajo 11300 La Línea de la Concepción, Cádiz

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

+34 956 90 06 16;+34 617 73 58 04

See Centre Book Appointment

Alliance Medical – Malaga

Avenida Andalucía, Nº 27 (bajo) 29006 Málaga

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

+34 952 36 38 91;+34 673 28 92 46

See Centre Book Appointment

Alliance Medical – Seville

Hospital de la Cruz Roja, Ronda de Capuchinos, nº 11 · 41009 Sevilla

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

+34 954 43 25 37;+34 664 24 25 32

See Centre Book Appointment
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Frequently Asked Questions

Once there is the slightest suspicion of a possible tumour lesion, it is the most effective technique and the one that will provide more information compared to other diagnostic tests, providing the specialist with a better initial assessment of the disease and a subsequent more effective planning.

The amount of radiation emitted and received by the patient is extraordinarily low, similar to that received during an abdominopelvic scan. The amount of radiopharmaceutical injected is so small that there is no danger of reactions of any kind. The only contraindications are: pregnant women and people with extreme obesity who might have difficulty accessing the CT scanner. If you have any doubts, always consult the specialists at the PET Centre.

Yes. The performance of this test must always be prescribed by a doctor, and it will normally be to him who must deliver the results. Your doctor should have reason to think that this technique will be useful for you, adjusting to the indications that already exist for its performance.

We currently have service agreements with the main medical companies in the national and European market. Depending on the type of policy you have, this service will or will not be covered, so you should consult your health company beforehand.

Once your doctor has prescribed the test, you can request your appointment by contacting the center by phone or email. Our team will tell you the date and time, answer any questions and ask you for the necessary information. In addition, you will receive a confirmation of your appointment by SMS.

The day before your exam, our team will contact you to confirm the appointment time and answer any additional questions. It is recommended to go to the center avoiding physical exertion and, if possible, accompanied by an adult. PET/CT is a simple, safe and well-tolerated test by patients.

Fasting for 6 hours before sugary solids and liquids. Stay hydrated from the day before the appointment. You can take a tranquilizer if you need it and, if you have any questions about medication, contact us. Do not do intense physical exercise in the days before the test.

Yes. Our staff will give you a form where you must indicate if you have had any type of tumor; if you have undergone surgery; if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, or if you are a nursing mother; if you have any allergies to medication or contrast; if you have or have ever had a recent infection; if you have recently received chemotherapy or radiation therapy; if its weight is greater than 100 kg; and if you are diabetic, you should have your blood glucose levels monitored (if the diabetes is insulin-dependent, you should not receive insulin 4 to 6 hours before the test).

Company documentation: company authorisation, health card and doctor’s prescription. Medical documentation: reports and images (CT, MRI…) that you have not previously provided and a report from the doctor who sent you the test. ID card and health card.

It is very important that you come at the time of your appointment and be very punctual, since the isotopes with which this test is performed have a short life and disappear in a short time. Excessive delays could even force the test to be postponed to another day.

Once in the center, your blood glucose will be measured and weighed. A venous line will then be taken for the administration of the radiopharmaceutical. The injection is completely painless and harmless, with no known side effects or risk of allergies. After the injection, you will need to lie comfortably in a room for 45 minutes, while the radiopharmaceutical is properly distributed throughout the body.

After 45 minutes of incorporation of the radiopharmaceutical, it will go to the PET scanner. The duration of the examination ranges from 20 to 35 minutes depending on the type of study. You should remain still after the study has begun and remove any metal objects. The test has no risks or side effects.

Once the study is over, you will be able to eat and drink normally. It is advisable not to approach pregnant women or young children on the day of the test, as they are more sensitive to radiation. The next day the radiopharmaceutical will have been completely eliminated and you will be able to lead a normal life. Continue to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Results are not obtained immediately after the test. It is necessary for powerful computers to process all the information obtained to obtain the images that will be evaluated by specialists in Nuclear Medicine. The centre will inform you of the different means of access to your studio.

Need more information?

Contact our team or request your appointment easily.