Nuclear Medicine Scan
What is a Nuclear Medicine Scan?
This is a test in which a small amount of radioactivity is used to obtain pictures of your body with a gamma camera. These pictures will help your doctor make a diagnosis.
What is involved?
A
small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, usually in
your arm. The injection is no more painful than a blood test.
You may then have pictures taken immediately or after a delay, depending on the
type of scan you are having. For the scan you will be asked to lie on a bed or
sit in a chair whilst the gamma camera obtains the images. You do not normally
have to undress but we will ask you to remove any metal objects such as jewellery.
Is the radiation dangerous?
The amount of radiation you receive is small; it is comparable to that of an X-ray examination. The substances we inject are non-toxic and will not make you feel sick or drowsy. However, for radiation safety reasons children should not be brought to the Nuclear Medicine Department.
What about pregnancy?
Please tell us as soon as possible before the injection if you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant. All female patients between the ages of 10 - 55 years will be asked to complete a form on arrival.
What about breastfeeding?
Radioactive substances can come out in breast milk. Please phone the Nuclear Medicine Department before your test if you are breastfeeding, so that we can advise you if you need to stop feeding for a length of time.
How long will it take?
The waiting time between having your injection and going in for the scan will depend on which type of scan you are having. If the wait is significant then your appointment letter will show two separate times. The scan itself will take between 10 minutes and one hour, again depending on which type of scan you are having.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
A friend or relative can attend with you but they will not be able to accompany you for the injection or scan.
Do I need to do anything after the scan?
You can eat as normal, but you may be asked to drink more than usual for the rest of the day to help wash the tracer out of your body.
Can I still look after children and pets?
Please try to avoid prolonged close contact with small children and babies for the rest of the day; this is to avoid exposing children to unnecessary radiation. The radiation you will be given will not affect any pets you may have.
Can I return to work after my scan?
There is usually no problem, but if your work involves radiation or close contact with children or pregnant women please ask Nuclear Medicine staff for advice.
What about my result?
We are unable to tell you the result of the test. The scan is reported by a Radiologist and the result is sent to the doctor who requested the test. However, the staff performing the test are fully qualified and will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
After reading this information are there any questions please
contact:
The Nuclear Medicine Department (01202) 442499
References
This information has been produced by:
Senior Medical Physicist: Dr K Dixon
Superintendent Radiographer: Mr P Smith
Date Produced: February 2007
Review Date: February 2007
Responsible Clinician: Dr NK Robson, Consultant Radiologist
