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How long will it take?
A nuclear medicine exam may take anywhere from one hour to five days (intermittently) depending on the type of study being performed.
Does it hurt?
Nuclear Medicine procedures do not hurt, although some exams may require a needle stick and injection.
Why may several different tests be needed?
Sometimes a variety of diagnostic tests are performed to determine the nature of |
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a medical problem and what the most appropriate treatment may be. In most cases, diagnosis is usually made with one nuclear medicine test. It may be necessary to confirm the test results with another test or other types of studies, if requested.
Who performs nuclear medicine tests?
* A nuclear medicine technologist is trained and experienced in the theory and practice of nuclear medicine procedures.
* A physician, licensed to use tracers and who is specially trained in physics and chemistry, interprets the images.
How should I prepare for the test?
Generally, no special preparation is required. You will be informed when scheduling your appointment if preparation is needed. Certain tests may require some slight preparation.
Why do nuclear medicine tests take a long time to perform?
The amount of time needed for a procedure depends on the type of test. Nuclear medicine tests are performed in three parts: tracer administration, taking the images, and analyzing the images. Many tests require a certain amount of time (from a few hours to a few days) for the tracer to accumulate in the part of the body being studied before the images can be taken. The time needed to obtain the image (from minutes to hours) will vary depending on the test.
Does the tracer cause side effects?
Side effects are very rare. Please let the technologist know if you experience any symptoms during or after the tracer injection.
What happens after the test?
When the exam is completed, the radiologist reviews your images, prepares a report, and sends the results to your doctor. Your doctor will explain the test results to you and discuss what further procedures, if any, are needed.
After the test, should I avoid physical contact with others?
If you have had radioiodine treatment, there are guidelines that your doctor may recommend that you follow to reduce the chance of radiation exposure to others. In general, the tracer you are given will remain in your body for a short period of time and is cleared from the body through natural bodily functions. Drinking fluids will help eliminate the tracer more quickly.
Can I resume my daily activities after the test?
You should be able to resume your daily activities. If you were temporarily asked to stop taking any medication prior to the test or if your doctor changed your usual dosage because of the test, be sure to ask when and if you should resume taking your medication(s).
What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine determines the degree of function present in an organ, tissue or bone. This is done by using very small amounts of radioactive materials or radiopharmaceuticals.
Why should I know about Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine procedures are painless and often provide important information that allows the physician to determine a course of treatment.
Is Nuclear Medicine safe?
Nuclear medicine procedures are relatively safe. The amount of radiation exposure is typically comparable to that received during a diagnostic x-ray.
How does Nuclear Medicine work?
During a Nuclear medicine test/procedure, radioactive material is introduced into the body by injection, orally, or by inhalation. Different tracers are used to study different parts of the body. A special camera is used to take pictures of your body. The camera does this by detecting the tracer in the organ, bone, or tissue being imaged and then records this information on a computer screen or film.
What can Nuclear Medicine evaluate?
Nuclear medicine procedures can evaluate bones, the brain, breasts, and a variety of other organs.
During pregnancy
Nuclear medicine tests are not recommended for pregnant women. If you are pregnant or think that you are pregnant, your doctor may order a different type of diagnostic test. Nursing mothers will have to cease nursing for a period of time following administration of a radiopharmaceutical.
What can I expect from an exam?
The following are explanations of a typical exam. Exams may differ based on the individual patient.
Bone Imaging
There are two parts to a bone imaging exam. First, the tracer is injected and sometimes pictures are taken either immediately or after a delay. It takes about three to four hours for the tracer to be absorbed by the bones. During the waiting period, you will be asked to drink plenty of fluids and urinate as often as possible to eliminate the tracer from parts of your body that are not going to the bones.The second portion of the exam consists of your lying on an imaging table with a camera positioned above or below you. The technologist will take pictures of your bones. It is extremely important to remain as still as possible so the scan results are accurate.
Brain Imaging
Perfusion Imaging - After relaxing, the tracer is injected in the arm. Approximately 30 to 60 minutes after the injection, you will be asked to lie on your back under the camera and images of your brain will be taken. This may take 30 to 60 minutes. You will be asked to not move, touch your head, or cough while the pictures are being taken.
Cardiac Stress-Rest Test
For the exercise test, small pads called electrodes are placed on your chest so an EKG can monitor your heart rhythm while you exercise. An intravenous tube is placed in your arm for tracer administration, which occurs about one minute before the end of the exercise session. The exercise consists of walking on a treadmill. As you exercise the treadmill increases speed and inclination every three minutes. Your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored as you exercise. You will be asked to exercise as long as you can.
If a previous medical problem prevents you from exercising, your doctor may request that you have a pharmalogic stress test. For this type of test, a medication is given that will stimulate blood flow to your heart similar to what exercise would create. This will eliminate the need to walk on the treadmill.
For the resting portion, you may or may not receive a second injection of tracer, depending on the type of tracer used. Images will again be taken of your heart. The total study time is approximately three to four hours.
Liver & Hepatabiliary Imaging
A tracer is injected into your arm while you’re lying on a table. Imaging begins immediately and can take one to two hours to complete.
Breast Imaging
You will be given a gown to put on and will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up. If you are wearing pantyhose, you may be asked to remove them. The tracer is then injected in either an arm or foot vein, depending on the area of interest. Five or ten minutes after the tracer injection, the images are obtained. For this portion of the imaging session, you will lie face down on a special mattress that allows the camera to be as close as possible to the breast. You will be positioned so that your breast will extend through an opening in the mattress. Images are obtained of each breast. You will then be asked to lie on your back to obtain side-view images. The camera will be placed over your chest with your face turned to the side. Pictures are taken of your chest while your arms are raised above your head.
How should I prepare?
Test preparation varies with the type of test to be performed. You may be asked to avoid eating, discontinue taking medication and wear comfortable clothing. Please consult your physician or specialist if your test requires discontinuing your medication. Your preparation requirements will be given to you when scheduling the appointment. For more information, click Preparations. |
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