Nuclear Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of radiation in a nuclear medicine test is comparable to that received during a diagnostic x-ray exam. Only extremely small amounts of tracers are used which lose most of their radioactivity in hours or days and are quickly eliminated from the body.

The registered nuclear medicine technologist will explain the procedure to you, ask you to complete a questionnaire and answer any questions that you might have. The technologist will then give you a small amount of a radioactive tracer, which is either injected or swallowed. The imaging portion of your exam may begin immediately, or not for several hours or days later, depending on the kind of study you are having. When your exam is scheduled for later in the day, you may leave the imaging center however it is essential you know exactly when you should return and if you can eat or drink while you are waiting. Patients who return past their assigned return time may jeopardize the integrity of their exam. Prior to leaving the technologist will always advise you of your expected return time. When it is time for your images to be taken, the technologist will position you on the exam table. A special camera will be positioned over the part of your body being studied and will record a series of images. It is very important that you hold as still as possible while the images are being taken. You may be placed in one or two different positions during scanning and or the camera may be moved around you to facilitate accurate coverage of the area of interest.

You will be able to resume all normal activity with no restrictions following your nuclear medicine study. There are no restrictions on contact with other people.