About Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radiopharmaceutical injected into an arm vein to image various body organs. Imaging is performed with a special camera known as a gamma camera and can occur immediately, in a few minutes, hours or even days after radiopharmaceutical injection.
What To Expect
After the radiopharmaceutical is injected, imaging typically takes 15-20 minutes and requires you to lie very still on the camera bed. Extra pictures may be required. Once the images are finished, a Nuclear Medicine physician will interpret the exam and send a report to your doctor.
Preparation
Bone Scan: No preparation needed
Thyroid Scan: Avoid seafood and iodine rich foods for three days prior to exam, avoid iodinated contrast imaging exams (CT and Angiography) 1 week prior to exam; discontinue thyroid replacement or suppressive therapy 1 week before exam
Cardiac Scan: See About Nuclear Stress Testing
Biliary Exam: Fasting 12 hours before exam
Gastric Emptying Study: Fasting 6 hours before exam