How to Prepare for a Nuclear Medicine Scan

Nuclear medicine scans are used to evaluate different systems of the body. Nuclear imaging scans display the structure of internal organs, tissues and bone. Common uses of nuclear medicine scans are to evaluate bone fractures, check for the presence of cancer, evaluate blood flow problems, analyze kidney function and look for brain abnormalities. If your doctor orders a nuclear medicine scan, you need to prepare for the test beforehand.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Let your doctor know about any medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines. Certain drugs could interfere with the test.

2. Remove all your jewelry. Jewelry can also interfere with the test. To keep your jewelry safe, it's best to leave it at home.

3. Wear comfortable clothes. You will need to lie on the table for a long period of time while the images are gathered. If your doctor allows you to wear your own clothes, wear comfortable clothes that don't contain any metal. If you can't wear your own clothes, you will be provided with a gown.

4. Receive the radiopharmaceutical drug by mouth or intravenously. Prior to the nuclear medicine scan, you will be given a radiopharmaceutical drug needed to provide images for the test. The type of drug you are given depends on the body part being examined during the scan. Options include thallium, xenon, gallium and iodine. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking this drug.

Tips & Warnings

• You must let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding prior to the nuclear medicine scan. He may decide to postpone the exam if he feels that it may pose a risk to the baby.

References

• MedLine Plus PET Scan Web Page

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