Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine imaging is an area that uses a small amount of radioactive material, referred to as radiopharmaceuticals, radioisotopes, or radiotracers. They are administered orally by swallowing a small pill, by a small injection into a vein, or by inhalation. This material concentrates in the area being examined and the energy is detected by a special camera. Nuclear Medicine studies show the function of the anatomy.
Common Nuclear Medicine studies are thyroid uptakes, bone scans, gallbladder scans (HIDA), and renal scans. Nuclear medicine is also used in conjunction with a stress test, called Cardiolite Stress Test, to image heart wall motion and visualize the heart vessels.
Nuclear Medicine Preparation
BILIARY AND BILIARY WITH EF (Gallbladder)
You cannot have anything to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam, with the exception of water.
BONE SCAN
No prep required.
BRAIN SCAN
No prep required.
CARDIAC BLOOD POOL IMAGING (MUGA)
No prep required.
CARDIOLITE STRESS SCAN (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging)
You cannot have anything to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam, with the exception of water. No caffeine 12 hours prior to the exam. No Beta Blockers the day of the exam. Bring all your medications or a list of all your current medications with you to the exam. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
GASTRIC BLEED
No prep required.
GASTRIC EMPTYING
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. No medications for your stomach the day of your examination.
LIVER / SPLEEN SCAN
No prep required.
LUNG SCAN
No prep required.
MECKELS SCAN
No prep required.
PARATHYROID SCAN
No prep required.
RENAL SCAN AND RENAL SCAN WITH CAPTOPRIL
Drink plenty of fluids. Bring all of your medications or a list of all of your medications with you to the exam. Do not take your ACE inhibitor and or Blood Pressure Medication 48 hours prior to your exam, if you are having the Renal Scan with Captopril.
THYROID SCAN AND UPTAKE
No CT or IV Contrast study 2 – 4 weeks prior to the exam. No PTU 5 days prior to the exam. No Thyroid medications 2 weeks prior to the exam. No multivitamins 2 weeks prior to the exam. Nothing to eat 2 hours prior to the exam. Bring all of your current medications or a list of your current medication with you to the examination.