What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine is an imaging technique that uses small volumes of radioactive tracer and a special camera, known as a Gamma Camera to acquire images of organs in the body.

What is involved?

A Nuclear Medicine scan will usually involve having a small, but slightly radioactive injection, in the arm. The injection will go into the blood stream and be taken up by the part of the body that your Consultant has asked us to look at.

Is there any preparation?

This will depend on the investigation you are having. Usually there is very little preparation and you can carry on as normal, however some more complex scans may require you to fast or to stop some of your medication a few days before the examination. Some other scans may also require you to take some medication before we give you the radioactive injection.

Any special preparation needs will be explained to you by a member of staff before you attend for your scan.

Before undergoing the scan you will be asked to remove any metal objects or jewellery, as well as cash and keys from your pockets. For some scans you will be asked to undress.

If you are breastfeeding, please contact the centre, as you may need to stop for a period of time after the scan. The staff will advise you about this.

As you will be slightly radioactive after your injection, as a precaution, we may advise you to avoid close contact with pregnant women and children under the age of 5, for up to 24hours.
We also advise you not to have any routine blood or urine samples taken during this period.

Will it hurt?

The injection is very similar to having a blood test, and is usually given in a vein in the arm or hand.
The camera will be placed over the area to be scanned. It will not touch or hurt you, it will either rotate around you or pass over the top of you. A technologist will remain in the room during your scan.

Are there any side effects?

There are no side effects to the radioactive injection. It will not make you feel hot or cold and you should not feel sick or sleepy afterwards. You may eat and drink as normal (unless you have been told otherwise) and you may drive a car.

How long will the scan take?

This will depend on which test your Consultant has asked us to do. For some scans, i.e. bone scans, DMSA kidneys scans, there will be a delay of a few hours in between injection and scan. If this is the case then it is not necessary for you remain in the unit. You will be given a time to return to the unit for your scan. Other scans are either done immediately or after a short wait.

What if I am pregnant?

>If you think that you may be pregnant then please inform a member of staff before you have your injection. In most cases it will mean that the examination will have to be postponed. In some very exceptional circumstances a doctor may request a Nuclear Medicine scan knowing that you are pregnant. This will only be the case if it is absolutely essential to have the result of the scan to make a decision about treatment. In these cases the injection dose is reduced to the minimum.

Can I return to work?

With the exception of those patients undergoing Bone or Heart scans you may return to work after your scan. The only other exception is if you work with pregnant women or children.

When will I get the results?

The scan will be reported on by a Consultant in Nuclear Medicine, or a Consultant Radiologist specialising in the area. This will usually be done within 24-48 hours following your scan. The results will be sent to the Consultant who referred you to the centre for you scan.

Any Other Questions?

If you have any other questions, worries or doubts do not hesitate to ask one of our staff; we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.