Nuclear Medicine Scan
A nuclear medicine scan uses a special camera to create pictures of your organs (such as your heart, lungs, liver, and gallbladder) and bones. This test uses a small amount of radioactive material and a special camera.
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| Relax and stay as still as you can to help ensure that the images are clear. |
Before Your Scan Appointment
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Be sure to mention the medications you take and ask if it’s okay to take them before your test.
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You will be given a tracer (radioactive material). It may be injected, swallowed, or inhaled. Your scan may then be done right away, or you may need to wait a few hours or even days to allow the tracer to concentrate in the part of the body being studied.
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Your scan may take a few hours. Bring something you can do if you need to wait.
Let the technologist know if you:
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Are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Have had a nuclear medicine scan before
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Have had a recent barium study or an x-ray using contrast
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Have any fractures or artificial joints
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Have any allergies
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During the Scan
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You will lie on a narrow imaging table.
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A large camera is placed close to your body.
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Remain as still as you can while the camera takes the pictures. This will ensure the best images.
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The table or camera may be adjusted to take more pictures.
After Your Scan
Your next appointment is: _________________
Online Medical Reviewer:
Desser, Terry, MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Williams, Scott Thomas, MD
Last Review Date:
10/26/2011
© 2000-2013 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.