Usually, no special preparation is needed for a nuclear medicine examination.
However, if the procedure involves evaluation of the stomach, you may have
to skip a meal before the test. If the procedure involves evaluation of the
kidneys, you may need to drink plenty of water before the test.
Preparation Required before the following Nuclear Medicine
scans:
Hepatobiliary (PIPIDA,HIDA) Scan –
This scan evaluates the function of your Gallbladder. You
must fast (nothing to eat or drink) at least 4 hours before the exam. Do
not take any type of narcotics, such as Demerol, Vicodin, or Morphine,
the day of your HIDA scan.
I123 Thyroid Scan – This is a 2 day test that
aids in determining the function of the thyroid. You will be
asked to discontinue any thyroid medicine for 2 weeks prior to your
scheduled exam date. It is also necessary that you have not
had any type of Radiology exams requiring contrast injections two
weeks prior to you scheduled Thyroid scan.
Gallium Scan – This is a 3 to 4 day test used
to find infection and tumors. Instructions will be given
to you by the technologist at the time of your first injection. Scans
will be performed just after the injection on the first day of your
appointment, and then again in 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Each
scan takes approximately 30 minutes.
Meckels scan – This scan help to diagnose internal
bleeding. You must fast (nothing to eat or drink) 8 hours
prior to your exam or after midnight the night before your test. The
test itself will last approximately 1 hour.
Bone Scan – This scan is used to detect bone abnormalities,
such as infection, fractures, arthritis, or cancer. It is very
important that you have not completed any Radiology tests that required
you to drink Barium at least 4 days before the Nuclear Medicine Bone
Scan.
Gastric Emptying Scan – This test is used to determine
the rate at which food leaves your stomach. You must fast (nothing
to eat or drink) 8 hours prior to your exam or after midnight the
night before your test.
Octreotide Scan – This study helps detect the
presence of any tumor with neuro-peptide receptors in your body. Fasting
is not required; however you will need to take a mild laxative the
night before your scan.
NO Preparation is required for the following Nuclear Medicine scans: Liver/Spleen scan Lung Scan Technesium Thyroid Scan Renal Scan Brain Scan
