Nuclear Medicine scans each use a small amount of radioactive tracer to produce images. The radiation will gradually leave your body over the 12-24 hours following your examination.
Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan
Nuclear Medicine uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to produce images to evaluate damage to bones or other causes of unexplained bone pain. The scan requires two appointments on the same day, and you will receive a small injection of radioactive tracer into your arm, which will be attracted to bones that are under repair.
There is no preparation required and it will take approximately 5 hours.
Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Scan
Nuclear Medicine uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to produce images to evaluate the function of your heart and its muscles. You will be given an injection which contains a small amount of radioactive tracer, and the study contains two parts.
You will be given specific instructions for preparation at the time of making a booking, as it is very important to not consume any food or any drinks which contain caffeine 36 hours prior to the test. The procedure will take approximately 5 hours.
Nuclear Medicine Gastric Emptying Scan
Nuclear Medicine uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to produce images which monitor the emptying of food from your stomach into your intestines. This scan can be used to diagnose reasons for ongoing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea after a meal.
You will be asked to eat a small meal, and this procedure will take approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. There is no injection required for this scan.
Nuclear Medicine Lung Scan
Nuclear Medicine uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to produce images and is very sensitive for detecting blood clots in the lungs. Lung scans are considered an urgent appointment and should be done on the same day as your doctor requests the scan.
You will be asked to inhale a gas which contains a small amount of radioactive tracer. This will then show the airflow to your lungs, and following this you will be given an injection containing another tracer to show the blood flow to your lungs.
This scan will take approximately 60 minutes.
Nuclear Medicine Renal Scan
Nuclear Medicine uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to produce images which monitor the function of your kidneys and drainage system. This scan can be used to diagnose areas of damage or obstruction, or detect a kidney-related cause for hypertension.
You will be given an injection containing a small amount of a radioactive tracer which will allow your kidney function to be visualised. You may also be given an injection of a diuretic, a medicine to make your kidneys produce more urine. You will need to be well hydrated and the procedure will take approximately 35-60 minutes.
Nuclear Medicine Thyroid Scan
A Nuclear Medicine Thyroid scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to produce images which monitor the function of your thyroid. This scan can be used to diagnose an over active or under active thyroid or to characterise the nature of small nodules or lumps on the thyroid.
The test is usually performed with you lying on a scanner table on your back. You will be given an injection containing a small amount of radioactive tracer which will allow your thyroid function to be visualised. This procedure will take approximately 35-45 minutes, and it is important you haven’t had a CT scan in the 8 weeks prior to your scan.
Please Note
Nuclear Medicine examinations are offered at Imaging Associates Wagga Wagga, NSW.
In Victoria, Nuclear Medicine is offered at Maroondah Hospital, within the Eastern Health Network – see https://imagingassociates.net.au/our-clinics/imaging-associates-eastern-health
Results
The report from our radiologist will be forwarded to your doctor as soon as possible. If there are any urgent findings, a radiologist will notify your referring doctor immediately.
What do I need to bring?
- Referral from your doctor
- Medicare card (if applicable)
- Healthcare card/Pension card/Student card (if applicable)
- Previous x-rays/scans (if applicable)
What we need to know
Pregnant/Breastfeeding
Please advise us if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
Medications
Please advise us of any medications you are taking. They may affect the timing of your appointment.
Allergies
Please advise us of any allergies.