Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine evaluates body organs, functions and abnormalities by injecting a low energy radioactive material into the body. The material or radio nuclide travels to the area of the body to be examined and is then visualized by a large camera which detects radioactivity.
Most nuclear medicine studies can be performed without any preparation and should be done prior to any x-rays which require a contrast media. All studies must be scheduled.
The services available at our facilities that do not require a prep are as follows:
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Some of the above exams do require delays from the time of injection to the examination. Some tests take more than one 24 hour period to complete. Details concerning the tests can be obtained by calling our offices.
**Note: Female patients cannot be pregnant at the time of testing.
BILIARY TRACT IMAGING
OR PIPIDA
Examination for imaging the gallbladder and biliary tree. Should show obstruction due to stone or stricture. Will identify dilated hepatic radicals and common bile duct.
Examination Time: 2 to 3 hours.
Precautions: None.
Patient Instructions: Patient should be NPO after midnight prior to the test.
GALLIUM SCAN
Examination used to identify localized abscess or infection in the body. This examination requires the patient to return to the facility for examination at different intervals over 3-4 days to complete the examination.
Examination Time: 60 minutes each day.
Precautions: None.
Patient Instructions: None.
GASTRIC EMPTYING STUDY
Examination of the stomach and duodenum used to evaluate the half-time emptying of the stomach.
Examination Time: 1 to 3 hours.
Precautions: None
Patient Instructions: Patient should be NPO after midnight prior to the test.
MECKEL'S SCAN
Examination of the gastrointestinal tract to rule out Meckel's diverticulum.
Examination Time: 1 hour.
Precautions: None
Patient instructions: Patient should be NPO after midnight prior to the test.
THYROID UPTAKE AND SCAN
Thyroid uptake is a study of the function of the thyroid gland which can determine whether the patient is hyperthyroid or hypothyroid. The thyroid scan will show structural abnormalities in the gland, adenomas or goiters, tumors or cysts.
The uptake requires the patient's presence at our office at three intervals:
- Early AM to take sodium iodine pill.
- 6 hours later for 5-10 minutes for 6 hour uptake.
- Early AM of the following day for 1 1/2 hours for the 24 hour uptake and thyroid scan.
Examination Time: See Above.
Patient Instructions: Patient should STOP ALL THYROID MEDICATION (Synthroid, PTU, Thyroid, cough medication and antihistamines, etc.) for 2 to 3 weeks prior to the examination.
1-131 METASTATIC SURVEY (TOTAL BODY)
This examination is used to diagnose metastatic carcinoma from in the patient who has had complete surgical removal of the thyroid. The patient must be well informed of the preliminary instructions.
Examination Time: 1 to 2 hours - 2 days following administration of radionuclide.
Precautions: None.
Patient Instructions: Patient should STOP ALL THYROID MEDICATION (Synthroid, PTU, Thyroid, cough medication and antihistamines, etc.). Please have the patient advise the technologist or radiologist of any medication they may be taking.
THYROID THERAPY
This procedure is used in the treatment of hyper-thyroidism and at the appropriate dosages can be administered on an outpatient basis.
Examination Time: 30 Minutes.
Precautions: To be discussed by the physicians prior to dosing.
Patient Instructions: A thyroid uptake and scan must be performed prior to therapy. These tests along with laboratory tests aid in determining the therapeutic dosage. Female patients of child-bearing age must have a pregnancy test prior to therapy. THE PATIENT SHOULD STOP ALL MEDICATIONS TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE THERAPY.