Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioisotope to the patient which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive.
Benefits of a nuclear medicine test
Nuclear medicine tests are a painless way of acquiring functional imaging, giving your doctors information on the effectiveness of particular bodily systems.
Is nuclear medicine safe?
Nuclear medicine tests are safe procedures, the amount of radiation received by the patient is minimal and usually comparable to that used in a diagnostic x-ray or CT scan. Your test will be specifically tailored to your needs and therefore you will only receive the smallest amount of radiation that is necessary for your examination. Please telephone us for further information if you are concerned about your radiation dose.
Before your test
Different nuclear medicine tests require different preparations; you will receive an appointment letter prior to your visit detailing any preparation you need to take before your test. If you are unsure, please contact the nuclear medicine department directly on: 020 3315 8415
Do I need an injection?
It is highly likely as the majority of Nuclear Medicine tests require the radioisotope to be injected—other tests may use a tablet or gas form of radiation administration.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test, as it may need to be rescheduled.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room. Please do NOT bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).
Do I need to get changed for the scan?
It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing with minimal metallic attachments. Certain scans require you to wear a hospital gown and you will be asked to change once reception has booked you in.
How long will the test take?
Nuclear medicine tests may take a number of hours to complete. Although test durations vary, we advise our patients that they may be in the department for up to 6 hours. If you would like specific time information about your nuclear medicine test, call us directly on: 020 3315 8415
What happens during the test?
Once the radioisotope has been administered (either via injection, inhalation or tablet), depending on your examination, you will either be scanned immediately or after a set amount of time. For the scan you will lie on a padded examination table, and asked to keep very still whilst the gamma camera creates diagnostic images. The average scan time is less than one hour.
What happens next?
We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body. You may then resume a normal diet unless advised otherwise. As you will be slightly radioactive for 24 hours after your injection we advise you to avoid close and prolonged contact with pregnant women and small children.
A report will be sent to your consultant doctor in a maximum of two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test.
Contact information
Imaging Department 1st Floor, Lift Bank D Chelsea and Westminster Hospital 369 Fulham Road London SW10 9NH
