During nuclear medicine imaging, what is used alongside radioactive material to capture images?

In nuclear medicine imaging, a scintillation or gamma camera is used alongside radioactive material to capture images of the distribution of the radioactive substance within the body. This camera detects the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive material after it has been introduced into the patient's body, typically through injection.

The camera operates by converting the gamma rays into electrical signals, which are then processed to create images that reveal how well certain organs or systems are functioning. This is crucial in assessing various medical conditions, as the images can indicate areas of abnormal function or disease.

Other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound probes, X-ray machines, and CT scanners, play different roles in medical imaging but do not directly work with radioactive materials in the same manner as a scintillation or gamma camera does. Each of these devices has distinct mechanisms and uses that do not overlap with the specialized application of capturing images based on the emission of radiation from a radioactive tracer, which is the essence of nuclear medicine imaging.