Berger Health System - Caring for you, Caring for our Community

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Nuclear Medicine Scan

What is a Nuclear Medicine Scan?

A Nuclear Medicine Scan uses a gamma camera and a small amount of radioactive material to create pictures of your organs and bones. Nuclear medicine is different from other exams such as x-ray and CT because it shows how an organ is working, not simply what it looks like. The small amount of radiation used poses little risk to your health. Your body will remove all radioactive materials within a few days.

How do I get ready for the test?

Preparation for your nuclear medicine exam will be different depending on the type of exam. Specific instructions will be given to you when you schedule your appointment. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment and be sure to have a photo ID and your insurance information with you. Before your test you will be given a tracer (radioactive material) that goes to specific organs, bones or tissues. The tracer may be injected, swallowed or inhaled. It may take a few minutes or hours for the tracer to reach the specific area to be studied. If your physician gave you a written order please bring that with you as well. If you are or think that you might be pregnant, tell the Technologist before the test is started.

During the test

You will lie down on a narrow imaging table and a large camera is places close to your body. Remain as still as you can while the camera takes the pictures in order to get the best images. The camera sends information to a computer, which then creates an image of the organ being studies. A scan can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the area being scanned.

After the test

You should be able to go home within a few hours after your test. Drinking plenty of water will help to clear the tracer from your body. A radiologist will review the images from your test and send a report to your physician.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any other questions or concerns you may call the Berger Health System Radiology department at (740) 420-8248. You will be put in touch with a Nuclear Medicine Technologist who can answer your questions.