Nuclear Scans

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KEY POINTS

• A nuclear scan is a procedure that uses a scanner and a chemical called a radioactive tracer injected into your vein to show organs or other body tissues that may be abnormal.
• Ask your healthcare provider how and when you will get your test results.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is a nuclear scan?

A nuclear scan is a procedure that uses a scanner and a chemical called a radioactive tracer to show organs or other body tissues that may be abnormal. Abnormal tissues absorb more or less of the radioactive chemical than healthy tissues.

When is it used?

There are many kinds of nuclear scans, such as:

• Bone scans, which help find problems with your bones, such as tumors, infection, some types of arthritis, and bone fractures that might not show up on X-rays
• PET scans, which can check for changes in the brain, heart muscles, blood flow, or to check for tumors
• Thyroid scans, which can diagnose problems with your thyroid gland
• MUGA scans, which show how well your heart is pumping
• HIDA scans, which show how well your liver and gallbladder are working, and if there is a blockage
• Lung scans, which show how well blood or air flows through the lungs

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• You may or may not be able to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Tell your provider if you have had kidney problems or an allergy to chemicals, such as contrast dye. Contrast dye is used for some scans.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are or might be pregnant.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

The radioactive chemical can be given by mouth, injected into a vein (IV), or inhaled as a gas. The level of radiation is usually about the same as the amount you get during a chest X-ray. It may be more depending on the kind of scan. The radioactive chemical goes to the part of the body being scanned.

For the nuclear scan, you will lie down on a table. A camera that shows the radioactive chemical takes several pictures while you are resting.

Depending on the type of nuclear scan, it may take 2 hours or more for the radioactive chemical to be absorbed. The actual scan usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?

You may be asked to drink a lot of water for a few hours or days after the test to flush out the radioactive chemical. Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you. After the test, you can go home and return to your normal activities.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. You may have a reaction to the radioactive chemical.

The radioactive chemical may not be safe if you are pregnant or if you are breast-feeding an infant.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.