Appointments:  (314) 996-5170

Appointments are available Monday through Saturday. Please call (314) 996-5170 to schedule your appointment.

What is a Nuclear Medicine Scan?

A nuclear medicine scan uses radiation to help doctors evaluate physiology and function as well as anatomy and to detect disease, inflammation, or infection throughout the body. No other radiology test can more accurately measure the function of the gallbladder or kidneys, or detect certain types of cancer.

A radioactive medicine is given either as an injection, a pill you swallow, or as a gas you inhale. The medicine travels through the body and goes to a specific organ. That organ then gives off gamma rays that are detected by the nuclear medicine camera. The camera output is sent to our computer system, which develops images of the organ. This shows the radiologist the size, shape and function of the organ.

Why do doctors recommend Nuclear Medicine Scans?

Most other radiology exams are very good at showing detail. However, they do not show physiology and function of the organ. No other radiology test can more accurately measure the function of the gallbladder or kidneys, or detect certain types of cancer.

Common Nuclear Medicine Scans and Approximate Time Required

HEART: The most common is the Stress Dual Isotope scan that monitors blood flow to the heart muscle. This test is done with a monitored treadmill or pharmaceutical stress test. Scan time is 3 hours.

BONE: This scan can be a whole body, detailed or three-phase study of the skeleton. It will show bone growth, infection, fractures or tumors. This scan is begun 3 hours after the injection. Scan time is 40 to 60 minutes.

LUNG: Studies the lungs in ventilation (breathing) mode and perfusion (blood flow) mode. This scan is primarily used to detect blood clots in the lungs. Scan time is 45 minutes. A current chest X-ray is needed with this study.

How do I prepare for my scan?

• Your doctor or the scheduling staff may instruct you not to eat, drink or take medications for a specific time before your exam.
• Bring a list of the medications you are currently taking with you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wear comfortable walking shoes if you are scheduled for a treadmill test.
• Be sure you allow enough time for your scan. Some scans require that you be given the radioactive medicine and then wait 15 minutes to 4 hours to return for your pictures. Other scans require that you return 24 to 72 hours after the injections of the radio-active medicine.
• You will be given special instructions for your scan.
• Tell the technologist if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or if you are nursing.

What should I expect during my exam?

The test will be explained to you before it is started and any questions you have will be answered first.

• A technologist will position you as comfortably as possible on the scanning table. It is important that once the technologist positions you for the exam you remain very still and breathe normally.
• The time needed for the studies varies, so the technologist will let you know how much time you can expect to be under the camera. 

What should I expect after my scan?

You may resume your normal activities, diet and medications after your exam, unless told differently by your physician.

Results

Our technologists will prepare your images for the radiologist to evaluate. A board-certified radiologist will interpret your results and dictate a written report. This information will be forwarded to your physician generally within 24 to 48 hours of completion of your procedure. Your physician will then convey the results of the scan to you.