Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine images (or scans) involve the intravenous injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer. Images are then taken from several angles with a special camera. The radioactive drugs are very low concentration (the radiation dose is equal to that of a chest x-ray), leaving no side-effects.

Preparing for a Nuclear Medicine Exam

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the registration process.  You will need to enter on the south side of the building, and complete and report to the outpatient registration desk.

The technologist will escort you to the exam room and explain the testing procedure and answer any questions you may have. An isotope will be given either by injection, mouth or by inhaling.

Due to the process time of the isotope you may be asked to return at a later time to complete your scan. If the exam requires scans to begin immediately you will be assisted onto a table or asked to sit in front of a scanner.

Acquiring the Nuclear Medicine image takes time, and is very important that you remain still while the images are being obtained. This can take from five minutes up to a one hour.

During the exam, the scanner may move around you. When the exam is completed the technologist will assist you off the table you may leave.
Results of the exam will be forwarded to your physician, who will explain them to you.

If you have any additional questions regarding a Nuclear Medicine Image please contact the Davis County Hospital Radiology Department at 641-664-2145.