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OUTPATIENT NUCLEAR MEDICINE PREP

When you need a Nuclear Medicine Scan performed follow the directions below

1. Your physician's office will call the Imaging Services Department to schedule the exam(s).
2. Your physician or nurse will instruct you on any additional preparations necessary for this test.
3. Your physician will give you a signed order for this test. You must bring the physician's order sheet with you. You will need it to register as an outpatient at the hospital. Without this order sheet the test cannot be completed and you will be required to reschedule your exam.
4. Before the exam, you will be injected with a radioactive isotope and asked to wait from 15 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the exam ordered, to let it absorb into the appropriate organ.
5. The actual procedure time varies greatly. Please be prepared to spend several hours at the hospital.

Persons at Risk for Reactions to Radioisotopes
Be sure to tell you physician if:

• you have a history of previous reactions to radioisotopes
• you have asthma
• you have diabetes
• you have an allergic disorder
• you are allergic any medications
• NOTE: The medications prescribed by the Radiologist will depend on the type of Nuclear Medicine Scan your physician has ordered. Most tests require you to be injected with a Radioactive Isotope.

Thyroid Update and Thyroid Scan

1. You must not take any Thyroid medication for at least three (3) weeks before this scan. (Example: Synthroid or Cytomel).
2. You must not have had any Iodine-related x-rays for 8 weeks prior to the time of the exam.

For example:

• Gallbladder
• Intravenous Pyelogram - IVP
• Intravenous cholangiogram – IVC
• T-Tube cholangiogram – TTC
• Operative Cholangiogram - ORC
• Myelogram
  • NOTE: If you have had any Telepaque you must wait 6 months before a Thyroid Uptake or Scan can be done.

Thallium Scan
You should not eat or drink for at least 4 hours prior to your Scan.

Biliary Scan
Do not eat or drink for at least 4 hours prior to your Scan.

Liver Scan
Arrive 45 minutes prior to your appointment time.

The following scans require no special preparation:

• Lung Scan
• Bone Scan
• Renal Scan
• Testicular Scan

Appointment Changes and Test Results

1. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment call the Imaging Services Department, receptionist at 587-1231. Please call at least 24 hours in advance.
2. After the film is developed and read by our Radiologist, a copy of the results are sent or called to your physician. Only your physician can give you the results of your MRI.
3. The Radiologist bills separately for his services. You will receive two bills for the procedure - one from the hospital and one from the radiologist for reading the films.

Childcare
If you have young children, make arrangements for a baby-sitter or childcare before your exam date. Children are not allowed in the examination room and may not be left in the hospital lobby unattended.

For more information on Medical Tests, click on the icon to the left.

Last Modified: July 27, 2007 10:29 AM