General Nuclear Medicine:
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is nuclear medicine imaging?
A nuclear medicine scan is a procedure in which radioactive materials are
used to diagnose or treat disease. The radioactive isotope may be
injected, ingested or inhaled, depending on the organ being scanned.
Nuclear medicine is a very useful tool in the diagnosis of disorders
affecting the bones, heart, lungs kidneys, thyroid and gallbladder.
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Do I have to do anything special before having a nuclear medicine
scan?
There are some exams that require that you do not eat before
the test; others may require you to stop certain medications that
you are taking. There are also others that require no preparation
at all. The doctor's office which booked the exam for you will
supply you with the proper preparation information. If you have
any questions about your preparation you can call us at 401-793-4450.
General preparation guidelines
- Who will perform my test?
A nuclear technologist will perform your exam. Technologists at The
Miriam are highly trained and licensed by the State of Rhode Island in
the field of nuclear medicine technology.
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What happens during a nuclear medicine examination?
Many different types of organs can be imaged by nuclear medicine, and
different scans require different procedures. Generally you will be
brought into an exam room by a technologist and asked a few questions.
Some exams require that you change into a patient gown. You may be asked
to lie on an exam table to receive an injection in your arm, or you may be
asked to swallow some capsules, such as in a thyroid test. A gamma camera
is placed over the area of interest. Scans vary in length, depending on
the procedure.
-
Will it hurt?
The only pain from nuclear medicine exams may be from the initial
needle placement to inject the small amount of radioactivity. However, in
certain nuclear medicine exams the radioactivity is administered orally
and no needle is needed.
- Is it safe?
Very small amounts of radioactive materials are used (only enough
to perform an exam).Side effects are very rare with the radiopharmaceuticals
used in diagnostic nuclear medicine exams. Nuclear medicine procedures
may not be appropriate for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Before your exam, please inform the technologist if you have any
concerns.
-
How soon may I eat after the test?
You may eat immediately afterwards.
- How do I get my results?
When your scan is finished a radiologist (a physician specializing
in x-ray and nuclear medicine) will interpret the scan, and we send a
written report to your physician.
For more information about general
nuclear medicine at The Miriam Hospital, call 401-793-4450 or
e-mail MLCampbe@Lifespan.org. Back
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