What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine is a well established branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive tracers to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.

How does it work?

Before the test begins, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist will give you a brief explanation about the test and what it entails. There are over 80 different types of Nuclear Medicine scans commonly performed and the particular tracer depends on what particular scan is being done.

For the most common scans, a small amount of tracer in injected through your arm or hand. At a later stage, you then will be asked to lie comfortably on a bed and a special camera, called a gamma camera, will take pictures of your body. There is no need to take off your ordinary clothes.

Do I have an injection?

Most scans require a small injection into the vein. Occasionally the scan requires a tracer to be swallowed by mouth or inhaled as a gas.

Are there any side effects?

For the great majority of scans, there are no side effects. While your body will receive a small quantity of X-rays as part of the test, this is at a non toxic level and often less that that received in other imaging tests such as CT scanning. After the scan, there is no restriction in your activity. You can eat and drink and drive a car.

What happens if I am pregnant or breast feeding?

If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, you should inform the Nuclear Medicine Technologist and the scan may need to be modified.

Is there any preparation?

Most of the nuclear medicine tests do not require specific preparation. However please check with our staff when you make your appointment. Some preparations may be required when you need cardiac, hepatobiliary, gastric emptying, colon transit or renal studies.

How long will the scan take?

This varies from scan to scan. Normally there is a delay between the injection and the scan the can range from several minutes to several hours and occasionally to several days. Please enquire when you make your appointment.

Will I glow in the dark and any hair fall out?

No. The radioactivity is very small and disappears very quickly. After the scan you do not have to take any special precautions.

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