Nuclear imaging uses small, safe amounts of radioactive material through injection, inhalation or ingestion, to show the function and structure of organs. As part of our commitment to providing high-quality imaging care, our caring staff will make your procedure as relaxed and stress-free as possible.
The following information will help you prepare for several nuclear imaging procedures.
Note: If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, it is very important that you notify your imaging technologist before your Nuclear Imaging procedure. Exposure to radiation can be harmful to an unborn baby.
Before your Nuclear Imaging procedure starts, our imaging technologists will ask you questions about your health and surgical history. You will also have an opportunity to ask our imaging staff any questions that you may have about the procedure.
If you suffer from claustrophobia, or have a fear of enclosed spaces, it is very important that you let your physician know before you arrive for your Nuclear Imaging procedure. There are many options available to help you feel more comfortable, including mild sedation to help you relax during the procedure.
Bone scans are used to detect areas of bone where there is an increase in bone regeneration. Common uses include the detection of fractures, bone infections (osteomyelitis), arthritis, bone tumors and bone cancer.
There is no preparation required for your bone scan. However, you should drink extra fluids and empty your bladder often between the injection and scan. You will also need to have a temporary IV set up.
Your scan can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, depending on the area to be studied.
Gastric emptying studies are used to show movement of solids and/or liquids from your stomach into your small intestine.
Preparation can vary but may include:
You will be asked to ingest a small amount of food tagged with radioactive material, such as:
NOTE: Ensure can be substituted if you are allergic to eggs.
The study typically lasts 4-5 hours.
HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) scans are used to show the function of the gallbladder. Preparation usually includes:
The scan typically takes anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours.
VQ scans are only performed at the hospital and are used to detect blood clots in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism.
Preparation usually includes:
You must be able to lie flat during the scan, which takes about 45 minutes.
Renal scans are used to evaluate kidney function, trauma, transplants, and vascular hypertension or obstruction.
Preparation usually includes:
The scan takes between 20 minutes and 2 hours.
Stress tests are only performed at the hospital and are used to evaluate the blood flow and function of the heart muscle.
Thyroid uptakes and scans are used to examine the size, shape, location and function of the thyroid gland.
Preparation can vary but may include:
The uptake and scan usually takes more than 24 hours from start to finish.
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