Nuclear Medicine

What is a Nuclear Medicine Examination?

Nuclear Medicine involves the use of radioactive materials, or isotopes, to obtain specific diagnostic information. These isotopes transmit a pattern of rays representing the organ size, shape and function. The rays are detected by a special camera and produced on a computer screen.

What Can You Expect During the Exam?

You’ll be positioned on the scanning table under the camera. A radionuclide will then be injected or taken orally. This makes it possible for the camera to detect certain organs and their functions.

Most scans require different images and perhaps a few position changes. You’ll be asked to lie still. Each scan will take about three minutes, some may take longer. Movement may result in the need for additional scans.

For Your Personal Safety

If you’re having a Nuclear Medicine examination, please tell your doctor or the technologist if you are:

Pregnant (or think you may be)
Allergic to iodine or other materials
Undergoing radiation therapy
Diabetic

Instructions for You

Bone scans: Plain Bone Scan

You should drink plenty of water before the exam
There will be an injection given upon arrival. You’ll need to return in approximately three hours for imaging
No restrictions
Exam takes about 45 minutes to an hour

Bone scan: with/without Flow

Exam takes about one hour to complete

Cardiac

You may not have any food or drink six hours prior to the exam.
Check with your physician about medications you take on a daily basis
IV will be placed at the time of your exam
You may not consume any caffeine (including decaf coffee) 48 hours before the exam
Exam takes about four hours to complete

Gallium Whole Body Scan

This exam takes three to four days to complete
Each session takes about one to two hours

GI Bleed Scan

You may eat and drink whatever you like
No restrictions
Exam takes about two hours

Liver/Spleen Scan

You may eat and drink whatever you like
Exam takes about two hours

Meckels Diverticulum Scan

You may not have any food or drink 12 hours before the exam
Exam takes about 1-½ hours

Muga Study

You may eat and drink whatever you like
Exam takes about 1-½ hours

PYP Cardiac Scan

You may eat and drink whatever you like
Exam takes about three hours

Thyroid Uptake

You may not have any food or drink after midnight for the first day of the exam
Exam takes two days to complete
Check with your physician about any medications you take on a daily basis including thyroid medication

Thyroid Scan

You may eat and drink whatever you like
Exam takes about 1-½ hours

Vasotec Renal Scan

You may eat whatever you like
Make sure to drink plenty of water before the exam
Exam takes about two hours
Check with your physician about any medications that you take on a daily basis including ace inhibitors medication

Ventilation/Perfusion Lung Scan

You may eat and drink whatever you like
Exam takes about 1-½ hours

Hepatobiliary Scan

You may not have any food or drink six hours prior to your exam.
Exam takes about two hours

Appointment and Contact Information

Please call if you have any questions:

Carteret Health Care 252-808-6154
Nuclear Medicine 252-808-6162
Scheduling 252-808-6200

Our hours are from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday