Before the test begins, the patient will be given a small amount of radioactive material called a radioisotope; this will be injected or swallowed or inhaled as a gas. There should be little or no discomfort involved in the test. Nuclear Medicine procedures are safe, effective and painless. How the test is performed depends on the type of scan the physician has ordered. Depending on which type of scan is being performed, the imaging will be done either immediately, a few hours later, or even several days after the injection. this allows the isotope time to flow through the body and concentrate in the organ that is being examined
The length of time for nuclear medicine procedures varies greatly, depending on the type of axam. Actual scanning time for nuclear imaging exams can take from 20 minutes to several hours and may be conducted over several days.
You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam, or you may be allowed to wear your own clothing.
Women should always tell the technologist if there is any possibility that they are or might be pregnant or if they are breastfeeding.
You should inform the technologist of any allergies, medications or medical conditions.
You will be positioned on a table. If necessary, a nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm.
Depending on the type of exam, the radiotracer is then injected, swallowed or inhaled. It can take anywhere from several seconds to several days for it to accumulate in your body.
The length of time for nuclear medicine procedures varies greatly, depending on the type of exam. Actual scanning time for nuclear imaging exams can take from 20 minutes to several hours and may be conducted over several days.
What are Some Common Uses of the Procedure?
- Analyze kidney function
- Image blood flow and function of the heart
- Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
- Identify blockage of the gallbladder
- Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor
- Determine the presence or spread of cancer
- Identify bleeding into the bowel
- Locate the presence of infection
- Measure thyroid function to detect an overactive or underactive thyroid