Invented by Hal Anger, a gamma camera is a device used in medical treatments to detect the gamma rays from the body of the patient under the effect of a radioactive medicine, and thus producing images of the body organ. Past few decades, the camera has proven to be highly efficient in imaging organs for various ailments, especially in the oncology cases. However, now, with the emergence of other techniques like MRI, PET etc. the role of the device has been affected, yet the 70 year old technology, with little modifications, is still continuing to play an important role in the medical field.
For the test, the patient is given a mild dose of the medicine that contains a very low level of radiation. As an effect of the medicine, the body emits gamma rays and then the function of the camera starts. The camera receives the rays through collimator. This part detects the rays and sends it further for imaging. The images obtained will suggest the condition of the organ tested.
The quantity and the type of the medicinal solution depend upon the organ that requires to be tested. The solution differs from organ to organ, depending upon its absorption capability.
After so many decades and with the introduction of many new technologies, the reason why the device is still being used and trusted by the doctors is that the accuracy of the readings and images that it produces is unmatched. To add to it a bit more, is the fact that a gamma camera costs much cheaper than other machines like MRI and it can be fitted in a small place due to its small size.
The biggest contribution of the gamma camera is in detecting breast cancer. The device is able to catch the tumor in early stages and thus making the chances of survival high for the patient. It has benefitted millions of breast cancer patients through early detection of the problem.