|
Nuclear medicine images (or scans) involve the intravenous
injection of a small amount of a 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), thus there are no side-effects.
Preparing for a Nuclear Medicine exam
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the registration
process.
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, by mouth or by
inhaling.
If your exam requires you to come back at a later time, you will
be instructed to do so. 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 it is very
important that you remain still while images are being obtained.
This can take from 5 minutes to 1 hour.
During the exam, the scanner may move around you.
When the exam is completed, the technologist will assist you off
the table and you may leave.
Results of the exam will be forwarded to your physician, who will
explain them to you.
Davis County Hospital
641-664-2145, extension 2551
|
