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Nuclear Medicine
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I'm allergic to dyes. Will the injection affect me?
Nuclear medicine does not use dyes. There are no reactions to our radiopharmaceuticals. However it's always a good practice to let someone know if you are allergic to something before an injection.
What if I'm pregnant or think I am?
If you think you may be pregnant, you should let your personal physician know so that a pregnancy test can be done. If you're pregnant, your doctor will need to talk to you about the risks of the test versus the benefits of the procedure. It may be possible to delay the test until after you have your baby. If you're pregnant, our Nuclear Medicine Department will answer any questions you may have before proceeding with the test.
Do I have to stay away from people? Will I glow in the dark?
For almost all nuclear medicine procedures no special precautions need to be taken. In answer to the second part of the question -- no, you will not glow in the dark.
How are the technologists able to handle radioactivity all day and not glow?
Nuclear medicine technologists are highly trained in the safe handling of radioisotopes. Our radiation exposure is monitored and is well below federal exposure limits. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the state Radiation Protection Agency oversee our practice. We make every effort to minimize radiation exposure to both staff and patients.
Why do I have to wait and come back to be scanned?
For some scans there is a delay between administration of the radioisotope and the actual imaging. This delay can be minutes, hours, or even days. We are waiting for the tracer we administered to get to the organ that is to be imaged.
How much radiation am I getting and how dangerous is it?
Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe. The amount of radiation exposure varies with the procedure, but in general the exposure from nuclear medicine exams is similar to that from most routine X-ray exams.
Is it safe to nurse my baby after administration of the isotope?
Although very little radioactivity is excreted in the breast milk, it is better to discontinue nursing for a time. How long you stop depends on the agent administered and can vary from 24 hours to a month or longer.
How will I learn the results of my scan?
Your physician will explain the results of the test to you.
Do I have to undress for the exam?
For the majority of scans, you can keep your street clothes on. We may ask you to remove metal objects (belt buckles, coins in your pocket, necklaces, earrings) that might obscure information on the scan.
The information provided within this website is not intended as medical advice. It should never be substituted for a consultation with a healthcare professional. Please contact your physician with questions or concerns about your health condition.
Copyright 2003 Associated Radiologists, P.A.
All rights reserved.