Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine is a type of medical imaging that helps assess how organs and tissues are functioning. A small amount of a safe radioactive tracer is introduced into the body, usually by injection. This tracer travels to the area being examined and allows special cameras to create detailed images.

During the exam, you will lie comfortably on a table while the camera takes pictures of the targeted area. The test is painless, and most studies take 30–60 minutes, depending on the type of exam.

Types of Nuclear Medicine Studies

Biliary Scan

• Checks for blockages or narrowing of the bile ducts

• Evaluates bile leaks or duct function after gallbladder surgery

Thyroid Uptake & Scan

• Assesses thyroid function in hyperthyroidism

• Assesses thyroid function in hypothyroidism

• Evaluates thyroid function after medical treatment

Renal Scan (ERPF)

• Assesses kidney function and drainage

• Helps evaluate possible renovascular hypertension
  (Renal artery Doppler is now the preferred test for this indication)

Cardiac Perfusion Imaging (Sestamibi)

• Evaluates coronary artery disease

• Assesses heart function before surgery

• Investigates chest pain or shortness of breath

• Monitors heart health after bypass or angioplasty

• Follows up on abnormal stress tests

• Screens patients with multiple cardiac risk factors

Bone Scan

• Detects cancer spread to the bones

• Identifies fractures, arthritis, or inflammation

• Monitors healing after surgery or injury

• Detects soft tissue abnormalities

• Helps evaluate unexplained bone or joint pain

Lung Scan

• Evaluates shortness of breath

• Investigates chest pain related to the lungs

• Follows up on previous blood clots in the lungs

• Assesses lung function before surgery

Parathyroid Scan

• Evaluates elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH)

• Assesses high calcium levels

RBC Liver Scan

• Detects liver hemangiomas

Salivary Gland Scan

• Assesses salivary gland function

• Evaluates masses in the parotid or salivary glands

• Further investigates findings from ultrasound or CT

Sulfur Colloid Liver Scan

• Assesses liver function

• Evaluates liver masses, including possible focal nodular hyperplasia

Rest MUGA Scan

• Measures heart pumping function (ejection fraction)

• Assesses heart function before or after chemotherapy

Resting Thallium Scan

• Evaluates heart muscle viability
  

Appointment Details

• Please bring your Requisition Form and valid Ontario Health Card

• If you do not have a valid Ontario Health Card, payment by cash or cheque is required

• Please arrive 10 minutes early for registration

• Late arrivals may need to be rescheduled

• If you need to cancel, please provide 24 hours’ notice
  

Exam Preparation

Biliary Scan

• Do not eat or drink for at least 4 hours (preferably less than 8 hours) before your exam

Thyroid Uptake & Scan

• Thyroid medication may need to be stopped (only if approved by your doctor)

• No IV contrast for 5 weeks before the test

• Avoid seaweed and sushi for 5 weeks

Renal Scan (ERPF)

• Drink 30 ounces of water before the exam

• You may use the washroom before the study

• If you have heart failure, speak with the supervising physician first

Cardiac Perfusion Imaging (Sestamibi)

• Eat a light breakfast (toast with jam)

• Avoid caffeine for 24 hours

• Certain medications must be stopped:

48 hours before:
Metoprolol, Acebutolol, Diltiazem, Carvedilol, Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Aggrenox

72 hours before:
Atenolol, Nadolol, Bisoprolol

96 hours before:
Tadalafil (Cialis)

No Preparation Required For:

• Bone Scan

• Lung Scan

• Parathyroid Scan

• RBC Liver Scan

• Salivary Gland Scan

• Sulfur Colloid Liver Scan

• Rest MUGA Scan