WHAT IS NUCLEAR MEDICINE?

Nuclear Medicine is a method of imaging the body using radioactive materials. Highly skilled professionals use special equipment and procedures to learn how certain organs function and to diagnose and determine the extent of diseases.

The radioactive material is introduced into the body by injection, inhalation or by swallowing. After the radiation has had time to travel to the body part of interest, the imaging or scan begins.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR NUCLEAR MEDICINE EXAMINATION?

The nuclear medicine technologist uses a special camera to detect the radiation emitted from your body. A computer is used to help process the information and to make the images easier to interpret.

The body part being scanned will be positioned close to the camera. You will be asked to hold very still while the images are being made. There will be times during the scan when the technologist will allow you to move and relax. It is necessary to make several images in different positions to get a complete and accurate study.

Upon completion of our routine views, the technologist will show your films to the radiologist who is a doctor with special training in nuclear medicine. At this time, the radiologist will review your study and may ask for extra views or even x-rays to provide as much information as possible.

Be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.

The time that it takes to perform a nuclear medicine study varies. Some procedures are more involved than others and naturally take longer to complete.

Please refer to the following list of scans for information about each individual procedure.

BONE SCAN

Preparation: None.
Length of Study: Total body scan - approx. 3 1/2 - 4 hours Limited scan - approx. 2 1/2 - 3 hours

Radioactive material is injected intravenously. There is a 2 hour wait after the injections. You do not need to remain in our office during this wait. You will need to drink at least 32 oz. of fluids within these two hours to aid in absorption of the injected radioactive material.

The actual scan time varies depending upon the area or areas of interest. A total body bone scan will take approximately one hour to image the entire body. Limited areas such as knees, shoulders, etc., take approximately 30 minutes to scan.

THYROID SCAN

Preparation: Must be off of thyroid medication for at least two weeks prior to scan. Should not have had any x-ray examinations using contrast materials containing iodine for one month prior to scan.
Length of Study: Approximately 1 hour

Radioactive material is injected intravenously. Twenty minutes after the injection, five views of the thyroid will be taken.

LIVER SCAN

Preparation: Abdomen should not have barium from x-ray studies, otherwise no prep.
Length of Study: Approximately 1 hour

Radioactive material is injected intravenously. The scan will begin five minutes after the injection. Nine different images are made of the liver and spleen.

KIDNEY SCAN (RENAL SCAN)

Preparation: None.
Length of Study: Approximately 1 hour

Radioactive material is injected intravenously and images are made during the injection. There are two different methods used to scan the kidneys. One method shows the anatomy (size, shape) of the kidneys and the other method is for kidney function. With both studies, a radioactive material is injected and immediate images are made. If only kidney anatomy is requested, there will be a one hour delayed scan made after the initial injection films. When a kidney function scan is requested by your doctor, you will be scanned continuously for 40 minutes.

GALLIUM SCAN (CHEST AND ABDOMEN)

CHEST
Preparation: None.
Length of Study: 30 minutes for three consecutive days.

Radioactive material is injected intravenously. Two images are made at 24, 48 and 72 hours.

ABDOMEN
Preparation: Liquid diet only for 72 hours prior to scan. Cleansing enemas and laxatives each night before scan may be necessary.
Length of Study: 30-60 minutes for three consecutive days.

Radioactive material is injected intravenously. Two or four images are made at 24, 48 and 72 hours. This will take approximately 1 hour each day.

HEPATOBILIARY SCAN
(LIVER, GALLBLADDER, COMMON BILE DUCT & SMALL BOWEL)

Preparation: No food or liquids for 8 hours before scan. Abdomen should not have barium from x-ray studies.
Length of Study: At least 1 1/2 hours. Could take 6 1/2 hours if delayed films are made.

Radioactive material is injected intravenously. After the injection, 2 images are made at intervals of 5 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes. These films are then shown to the radiologist who will determine if delayed views are necessary.

SPECT Imaging

All of Wake Radiology Diagnostic Imaging's Nuclear Medicine departments are fully SPECT (Single Proton Emission Computed Tomography) capable. Using SPECT, we are able to provide 3-D computer reconstructed images of multiple views and function of the organ being imaged, providing a much higher degree of resolution and accuracy than with traditional planar imaging.

Please bring all insurance information to each visit. Most major insurers will pay for radiology examinations, although some require prior authorization for certain procedures. Patients may be required to pay at the time of service depending on the type of insurance coverage. You should check your benefits with your insurers at least a day before the exam.

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. As a courtesy to you, we will be glad to file your insurance claims. Bring your insurance card with you when you come for the exam. You will be responsible for all services that are not covered by your insurance.

We participate with most health care plans. If you have any questions about your coverage, you may call our business office at (919) 787-7411 or toll free at 1-800-675-2232.