Nuclear Medicine imaging involves the use of very small amounts of radioactive material that are attached to pharmaceutical substances which are attracted to specific parts of the body. This specialty is unique in the way that it records functional information regarding organs and structures, as opposed to X-rays and ultrasound, which are based on structural appearance.
The radiation is detected by a gamma camera and digitally processed using computers. Recent advances in this technology have resulted in the ability of the cameras to perform SPECT/CT, (3-dimensional imaging). Combining the functional nuclear medicine images with structural CT images has greatly increased the diagnostic utility of this specialty.
Bone Scans
What are bone scans used for?
Assessment of bone pathology, including fractures, joint replacements, back pain, arthritis, infections and cancer staging.
What can I expect on the day?
This scan is performed in two parts on the same day. At the 1st appointment you will receive an injection of a radiotracer and images may be taken of the area of interest. Imaging at the 2nd appointment will take approximately 30 minutes. There is generally a 3 hour interval in between the 1st and 2nd appointment.
What is the preparation involved and are there any side effects?
No preparation is required and there are no side effects.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
Gallium Scans
What are gallium scans used for?
To evaluate suspected infection or inflammation.
What can I expect on the day?
This scan is performed in two parts on two separate days. At your 1st appointment you will receive an injection of gallium. At your 2nd appointment (which will be organised 24 - 48 hours after the injection) images will be taken for a period of up to 1 hour.
What is the preparation involved and are there any side effects?
No preparation is required and there are no side effects.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
Lung Scans
What are lung scans used for?
Primarily used to diagnose blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or to evaluate lung function prior to lung resection.
What can I expect on the day?
You will be asked to inhale a gas that is mildly radioactive. A 3D image of your lungs will be taken. Then an injection is given into an arm vein (to assess blood flow in the lungs) and further images are taken.
What is the preparation involved and are there any side effects?
No preparation is required and there are no side effects.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
Myocardial Perfusion Scan (MPS)
What is an MPS used for?
This scan is used to evaluate blood flow to the heart and is a safe, accurate and non-invasive study.
What can I expect on the day?
This study is completed in two parts over a 6 hour period. The study consists of a stress and rest phase. In most circumstances the stress phase is carried out at the 1st appointment and the rest phase completed at the 2nd appointment. If you are able to exercise, you will be asked to use a treadmill to increase your heart rate, however, if you are unable to exercise, medication can be used to create the same effect. There is a 90 minute break in between the two appointments where you can make use of the coffee shop on the hospital grounds.
What is the preparation involved and are there any side effects?
The preparation for this study is as follows:
• Fast for 6 hours prior to the 1st appointment
• You will need to cease all products containing caffeine (tea, coffee, chocolate) for 24 hours prior to the study
• Certain medications are to be withheld on the morning of the test (our nurse will contact you the day before your appointment to specify which medications can/cannot be taken)
• You are able to drive yourself to and from your appointment
Some patients may feel slightly flushed if the medication protocol is used to stress the heart.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
Brain SPECT scan
What are these scans used for?
This study is used to evaluate and assess the following:
•Brain blood flow
•Brain function (useful for patients with cognitive and memory difficulties)
• Epilepsy
• Previous brain trauma or injury
• Neuropsychiatric disorders
In some cases your doctor will request the resting phase only, but if required, the concentrating phase may also be completed. These need to be booked on two separate days.
What can I expect on the day?
Resting - You will receive an injection of radiotracer into an arm vein whilst resting quietly in a dimly lit environment to minimise external stimuli. Images will then be taken for a period of 30 minutes.
Concentrating - You will receive an injection of radiotracer into an arm vein and you will be asked to carry out a Wisconsin Card Sorting test so the brain can be evaluated whilst in a concentrating state. Images will then be taken for a period of 30 minutes.
What is the preparation involved and are there any side effects?
No preparation is required, however, in some cases you may be asked to withhold medication and caffeine, you will be advised accordingly prior to the day of your appointment. There are no side effects associated with this study.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
Renal Scan
What is a renal scan used for?
DTPA/MAG3 - This scan is to check the function and/or for obstruction in the kidneys (kidney stones, PUJ obstruction, pyeloplasty). It also used for renal vascular hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the kidneys), renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries that take blood to the kidneys), and renal transplant perfusion and function.
DMSA - This scan is usually to determine the amount of renal scarring/damage if patient has a history of reflux and may also be used to assess how much each kidney contributes to total renal function.
What can I expect on the day?
DTPA - You will receive an injection of a radiotracer into an arm vein followed by imaging. The scan itself can take anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes dependent on the rate at which the kidneys function for each individual. In some circumstances a diuretic called Frusemide (Lasix) will also be administered if there is suspicion of an obstruction.
DMSA - This scan consists of two appointments 4 hours apart. At the 1st appointment you will receive an injection of DMSA into an arm vein. At the 2nd appointment (4 hours later) images will be taken for approximately 30 minutes.
What is the preparation involved and are there any side effects?
You must be well hydrated - drink 1L of fluid in the hour prior to your appointment. You may empty your bladder as required.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
Thyroid
What is a thyroid scan used for?
This scan is used to assess the function of the thyroid gland and the characterisation of thyroid nodules.
What can I expect on the day?
This scan is 1 hour in duration. You will receive an injection of a radiotracer into an arm vein followed by imaging of your thyroid for a period of up to 1 hour.
What is the preparation involved and are there any side effects?
• If you are taking thyroid medication you will need to consult with your referring doctor as to when/if you should withhold your medication
• If you have recently had a CT scan with contrast you will need to wait 4 - 6 weeks before a nuclear thyroid scan can be completed.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
Gastric emptying study
What is this scan used for?
This 2 phase study is used to detect delayed or accelerated emptying of the stomach. The studies will be booked on separate days.
What can I expect on the day?
Solid phase - This study is completed over 3 parts throughout the duration of the day. You will be asked to eat 2 x cooked egg whites and 2 x pieces of toast with jam and butter containing a radioisotope. 10 minute images will be acquired at 1 hours, 2 hours, and 4 hours post ingestion of radio labelled meal.
Liquid phase - You will be asked to drink 300ml of water containing a radioactive isotope. Images will be taken immediately for a period of 30 minutes.
What is the preparation and are there any side effects?
You will be asked to fast for 4 hours prior to your appointment and cease medications that alter gastric motility.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding please contact our office for advice.
others
A range of other studies are available please contact our office to discuss.