Depending on the type of exam ordered, you may be required to have nothing to eat prior to the test.

Gallbladder:

You will be required to have nothing to eat for 6 hours prior to the scan.

Thyroid:

Please do not take any thyroid medication and avoid foods high iodine (shellfish, dark green vegetables and mega vitamins.)

The person scheduling your appointment will review this with you. If you have questions regarding the preparation necessary, call the imaging center where your Nuclear Medicine exam is scheduled..

Exam Day:

Please arrive early on the day of the exam, to complete the registration process. When it is time for your exam, the technologist will escort you to the exam room. The technologist will ask you why you are having the test done, and then explain the testing procedure and answer any questions you may have.

Isotopes are given by injection, orally, or by inhalation. If your exam requires you to come back at a later time, you will be instructed to do so. If your exam requires scans to begin immediately, you will be placed on a table or asked to sit in front of a scanner.

Please note: Acquiring the Nuclear Medicine images takes time, and it is very important that you remain still while images are being obtained. This can take from 5 minutes up to an hour.

During the exam, the scanner may move around you. When the exam is completed, the technologist will assist you off the table and you will be allowed to leave.

The results of your exam will be forwarded to your physician, who will explain them to you.

The amount of isotopes given is small, and is equivalent in most cases to naturally occurring levels and are passed out of the body very quickly. You are advised to drink plenty of water after the exam.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding are not candidates for this exam.