Nuclear medicine scan
We use a nuclear medicine scan to create pictures of your organs (such as your heart, lungs, liver and gallbladder) and bones. The nuclear medicine scan uses a special camera and a small amount of radioactive material.
Preparing for this procedure
- You will be given a tracer (radioactive material) and this 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.
- Your scan may take a few hours.
IMPORTANT — Let the technologist know if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have had a nuclear medicine scan before
- Have had a recent barium study or an x-ray using contrast
- Have any fractures or artificial joints
- Have any allergies
What to expect during this procedure
- You will lie on a narrow, imaging table.
- A large camera is placed close to your body.
- Remain as still as you can while the camera takes the pictures. This will ensure the best images.
- The table or camera may be adjusted to take more pictures.
What to expect after this procedure
- Drink plenty of water to help clear the tracer from your body.
- Your doctor will discuss the test results with you during a follow-up visit or over the phone.
Contact us
If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, contact our Radiology Department at 483-1410.