East End Radiology - Nuclear Medicine

What is a Nuclear Medicine Examination?

Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty that is unique in that it documents organ function and structure. Diagnostic Radiology on the other hand is based upon anatomy. Nuclear Medicine uses a radioactive material to determine if certain organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, thyroid, brain and lungs are functioning properly. It is also used to examine the bones for cancer, infection and trauma.

How is a Nuclear Medicine Exam Performed?

Before the examination you will be given a small amount of radioactive material called a radioisotope, which will be injected or swallowed. In many cases there will be a delay between the time that you are given the isotope and the time the scan is performed. This delay can range from 3 hours to 24 hours. This delay allows the isotope to flow through the body and concentrate in the area of interest. In some cases a series of scans will be taken with a delay of one or two hours between them. During the actual nuclear medicine examination you will lie on an examination table and a camera will photograph the areas of interest and send the images to a computer and images will be generated and printed on film for review by the Radiologist.

How to Prepare for a Nuclear Medicine Exam?

If you had x-rays, CT or MRI of the area of interest for the nuclear medicine exam performed at another facility it is necessary to bring those films with you.

Thyroid Scan: No thyroid medications, antihistamine, decongestants for 10 days prior to exam. If a patient had an examination performed with iodine contrast they must wait 8 weeks before having a Thyroid scan.

Renal Scan: Prior to your study, you must have had blood-work performed within the last three months that illuminates your BUN and Creatinine level it will be necessary to do so before the examination can be performed. Your BUN and Creatinine level indicates your kidney and liver function. This is important to assure that you will be able to properly flush the contrast material from your system.

Biliary/HIDA Scan: Nothing by mouth for six hours prior to nuclear medicine exam and if the test is performed with CCK (fatty meal) you must first have had a negative abdominal sonogram.

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