 |
This specialty is unique in the fact that it records information regarding organ function and structure, as opposed to x-ray, based on anatomy. Nuclear Medicine is usually able to detect conditions earlier than other tests due to its functional basis, therefore permitting earlier treatment. Nuclear Medicine offers procedures on all major organs. For example: bones, lungs, kidneys, heart and brain.
No. The amount of radio-activity given in these procedures is very small, usually comparable to x-ray procedures. Young children and babies are safely tested on a regular basis at our clinics.
If you suspect that you may be PREGNANT, or if you are BREAST FEEDING, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you inform the doctor before you receive the injection. In most cases, the injections will have NO SIDE EFFECTS.
No preparation is needed. The test is performed in two parts. The first part will take approximately 20 minutes: the Nuclear Medicine Specialist will speak with you, you will be given an injection and some images may be taken. The second part of this test is usually performed 2-5 hours later and will take up to 1¼ hours.
No preparation is needed. The lung scan is divided into two parts. The ventilation study assesses the air flow into the lungs. The perfusion study assesses the circulation to the lungs. The whole test will take 1½ hours.
No preparation is needed, however:-
1. You must not have taken thyroxine tablets, kelp, or iodine (e.g. in multivitamin and mineral preparations), in the last 6 weeks.
2. You must not have had an x-ray test involving injections of dye (contrast media) in the last 6 weeks.
The test will take approximately 1 hour.
1. Do not eat, drink or smoke 4 hours before the test.
2. No tea, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, cola or other caffeine products 24 hours before.
3. Take your medication as usual on the morning of the test unless instructed not to do so by your doctor.
4. If you are scheduled for an exercise heart test, wear appropriate clothing for walking or running.
5. Leave your jewellery at home.
6. If you suffer from diabetes, please bring your blood glucose meter.
These tests aim to assess the blood supply to the heart. The exercise heart stress test is performed on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. An injection of a drug is used to exercise the heart for the dipyridamole heart stress test.
No preparation is needed. There are several different types of tests for the kidney which will take approximately 1-2 hours. If you are booked for a Renal Captopril scan, you have to fast for 4 hours. A DMSA test will require 2 visits on the same day.
The gallium is injected into a vein on the back of the hand or inside elbow. You will be given a time to return in 1-3 days. The gallium scan will take between 1 and 2 hours. Are there any precautions? Either you or your doctor must advise us if there is ANY possibility that you could be pregnant.
If you are caring for small children on the day of your test, you should take care to avoid close contact for prolonged periods of time. For example, do not sit them on your lap for longer than half an hour at a time. This is merely a precaution and it is okay to be around children.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.
Every patient has an individual radio-isotope dose ordered and prepared. This is an extremely high cost item.
We do need early advice of any cancellation to stop the preparation of the radio-isotope dose, otherwise this cost may be passed on to the patient.
INFORMATION BROCHURE DOWNLOAD - Click Here (PDF)
GUIDELINES FOR NUCLEAR MEDICINE INVESTIGATIONS DOWNLOAD - Click Here (PDF)
GUIDELINES FOR SPECT/CT DOWNLOAD - Click Here (PDF)
