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Nuclear Medicine procedures require an injection of a radioactive isotope.  The patient must not be pregnant.  Exams can require 30 minutes to 2 hours, with patients lying still on a bed.  Most patients, even those who are claustrophobic, tolerant these exams easily.

Bone Scans require the patient to receive an injection then return in 3 hours for a 30 minute scan of the area of interest, for a limited scan; and 60 minutes for a whole body scan.  There is no prep for this test.  

Thyroid Scans require an injection immediately followed by a 45 minute scan.  The patient should not be taking thyroid hormones, anti-thyroid medicine or multi-vitamin supplements for at least 2 weeks prior to this exam.  The patient must not have a x-ray contrast study for at least 4 weeks prior to this exam.   

Thyroid Uptake and Scan is similar to a Thyroid Scan only, however, the day before the scan the patient must take a capsule of radioactive isotope and return in 24 hours for the 45 minute scan.  Patients must not have food or drink for 8 hours prior to taking the capsule on the first day.  

HIDA Scans determine the function of the gallbladder and require 2 hours to complete.  The patient must not have food or drink 8 hours prior to exam.  

SOD Scans determine if the common bile duct is emptying appropriately in post cholecystectomy patients who are still experiencing symptoms of pain and nausea even after removal of the gallbladder.  Patients must not have food or drink 8 hours prior to exam. 

Thyroid cancer and hyperthyroid conditions such as Graves disease and toxic mult-nodular goiter (after consultation with your primary care physician or ENT surgeon) can be treated on an outpatient basis at CDI.  Thyroid cancer and hyperthyroid therapy are done as a referral basis only.  

If you have any questions, please call and ask to speak to the Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

The Nuclear Medicine staff will insure your full understanding of the exam before beginning.