What is Nuclear Medicine?
In nuclear medicine, small amounts of radioactive materials are used for diagnosis and therapy. In Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine a small amount of a radioactive pharmaceutical, radiopharmaceutical, is introduced into the body by injection, ingestion, or inhalation. After a period of time images of the distribution of the radioactive material in the body can be recorded with a gamma camera. Some procedures involve measuring blood samples. In Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine the radioactive material is used to treat disease.
What are the benefits versus risks?
In diagnostic Nuclear Medicine the amount of radiation you receive is in most cases similar to what you receive from an X-ray examination. The benefits from the procedure always far outweigh the risk from radiation.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Usually, no special preparation is needed for a nuclear medicine procedure. You will always be given detailed information about how you prepare for a certain procedure and what precautions you will have to take following the procedure.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Normally these procedures are not carried out on pregnant women unless
they are clinically justified.
It is important that the Nuclear Medicine Department is informed as soon
as possible if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. Special advice
and will then be given if the procedure is to go ahead.
What does the equipment look like?
For the vast majority of nuclear medicine procedures we use a gamma camera,
which is a piece of equipment which has the ability to detect radiation
and from where it is coming.
There is no tunnel into which you will have to go.
What is involved?
For imaging procedures 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. While the images are being obtained, you must remain as still as possible. You will not be required to hold your breath.
After the procedure, the radiographer will check that the quality of the images is optimal for processing and diagnosis. When the radiographer is satisfied that the information required for the procedure is as required you will be able to leave the department.
The images will then be processed to enable a consultant radiologist
with specialised training in nuclear medicine to make a report on the findings
of the procedure and let your doctor know the result.
If you are having a non-imaging test you can leave the department between
the injection and the blood sampling if you so wish. Just make sure you
return for the blood sampling at the correct time.
Who will interpret the results and how do I get them?
Most patients undergo a nuclear medicine examination because their primary care doctor has recommended it. A physician who has specialised training in nuclear medicine will interpret the images or test results and forward a report to your doctor. It usually takes a few days to interpret, report and deliver the results.
Are there any restrictions after the test?
After the test you can eat and drink what you like. You can meet other people without restrictions but avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for the rest of the day. For a few procedures we will ask you to extend this time. Full information and advice will be given by the staff.
For more information click on
More information is available on the internet. Good information is available on:
References
This information has been produced by:
Head of Nuclear Medicine: Mr Lars Jansson
Senior Medical Physicist: Dr K. Dixon
Date Produced: February 2007
Review Date: February 2008
Responsible Clinician: Dr NK Robson, Consultant Radiologist
Contact number: 01202 442499
