Gamma Camera Explained: How It's Used for Medical Imaging

Gamma cameras detect radioactive gamma rays, and are commonly used by doctors looking for cancer in patients. They work in similar fashion to an x-ray machine, and are used to scan the internal organs for radioactive matter.

History

• Although radiation was first discovered in 1896, the gamma ray camera wasn't invented until 1958.

Uses

• Radioactive tracers, such as thallium, are released into the patient's bloodstream by means of an IV drip. The tracers release radiation, which is picked up by a gamma ray camera. Physicians use the gamma camera to look for abnormalities such as cancer.

Explanation

• Gamma cameras absorb the gamma rays with a crystal, which produces a flashing light on a connected computer screen. Highlighted areas on the screen indicate problem areas that may need to be further investigated by an oncologist (cancer specialist).

Examination

• While the entire examination process may take up to three hours, the actual scanning time from the gamma camera normally takes around 20 minutes.

Other Name

• Gamma cameras are also known as Anger cameras, after their inventor, Hal Anger.