Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within radiology that utilizes radioactive substances to create images of body anatomy and function. The images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from the radioactive substance given to the patient. Pediatric nuclear medicine refers to these types of examinations in babies, young children and teenagers.

If a child has a suspected urinary blockage in the kidney, infection and trauma in the bones or gastrointestinal bleeding, a nuclear medicine may be the best modality for diagnosis. Pediatric nuclear medicine is used in the diagnostic workup of many childhood disorders that are congenital or acquired later. Nuclear imaging studies are helpful in evaluating different organ systems, including the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs and bones.