Nuclear Medicine exams use small amounts of radioactive materials that
are detected by a special camera to produce the images. These materials,
which are administered IV or orally, expose patients to minimal
radiation…no more than they would receive from a diagnostic x-ray.
Most nuclear medicine exams require simple preparation. The most common
preparations are nothing by mouth 4-6 hours before your exam.
Occasionally, you will be asked to discontinue certain medications for a
specific length of time prior to your exam. Your physician will inform
you of these requirements in advance of your exam. If you have any
questions, the nuclear medicine staff at PMHC will be happy to help you.
Please arrive at the hospital 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled exam
time. A technologist will discuss your procedure with you, answer your
questions and take other needed information.
PATIENT PREPARATION
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day of the exam.
You will check in at Admissions and go to Same Day Surgery, where they
will start an IV.
You will then come to Nuclear Medicine and be injected in the area of
interest.
Images will be taken.
The entire procedure will take about 2-4 hours.
You will then be taken back to Same Day Surgery.
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