Nuclear Medicine
Diagnostic scans and targeted therapies using small amounts of radioactive tracers, offered in coordination with the Birat Cancer Institute.
- Services & clinics
- 12
- Emergency
- 24/7
Overview
Nuclear medicine uses very small, carefully measured amounts of radioactive substances, called tracers, to show how organs and tissues are working and, in some cases, to treat disease. At Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, the Department of Nuclear Medicine supports the diagnosis and care of patients with thyroid disease, cancer and other conditions. Its services are offered in coordination with the Birat Cancer Institute (Rewanta–Rukmani Memorial), so patients can benefit from closely linked diagnostic and treatment teams.
Unlike an X-ray, which mainly shows structure, a nuclear medicine scan shows function, such as how active the thyroid gland is or whether a disease has reached the bones. The department's work is commonly linked with standard thyroid and bone scans and radioiodine therapy for certain thyroid conditions. Specialists work alongside oncology, endocrinology, surgery and the hospital's radiology department, which offers MRI, CT and ultrasound, and cancer cases can be reviewed by the multidisciplinary tumour board. Radiation safety is taken seriously, and staff follow monitoring practices to keep patients and teams safe.
Most nuclear medicine procedures are arranged on referral from your treating doctor, and our team will explain any preparation, such as stopping certain medicines or diet changes, in advance. BMCTH accepts Government Health Insurance, the Social Security Fund (SSF), and the Bipanna Nagarik treatment fund for eligible serious illnesses such as cancer. For information on available services and scheduling, please call 021-422601 or 423182, Sunday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
What we treat
12 common conditions- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Thyroid nodules
- Goitre
- Thyroid cancer
- Bone metastases
- Bone pain from cancer
- Bone infections
- Unexplained bone pain
- Fractures not seen on X-ray
- Cancer staging and follow-up
- Thyroiditis
Services & procedures
Common questions
Nuclear medicine scans use very small amounts of tracer, and the radiation dose for most diagnostic scans is low. Your team will explain any precautions, such as drinking plenty of fluids afterwards. Please tell staff before the scan if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Nuclear medicine tests are usually requested by your treating doctor, such as an oncologist, endocrinologist or surgeon. Bring the referral, your recent reports and any earlier scan images to your appointment.
Some thyroid medicines, iodine-rich foods and recent contrast injections can affect results, so you may be asked to stop or avoid them for a period beforehand. Always follow the specific instructions given by the department and do not stop any medicine without your doctor's advice.
BMCTH accepts Government Health Insurance, the Social Security Fund (SSF), the Bipanna Nagarik treatment fund for eligible serious illnesses, and the Safe Motherhood Program. Please bring your insurance card or SSF details, a valid ID and any referral letter, and our registration desk will guide you on what applies to your visit.
Please call 021-422601 or 423182 during OPD hours, Sunday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, to confirm the current availability of a specific scan or therapy and to arrange scheduling. Our staff will guide you through preparation and the next steps.