What you need to know
about Nuclear Medicine tests
Nuclear medicine uses a small amount of radioactivity to take images of various organ structures
There are no known side effects to the use of radioactivity in nuclear medicine.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us here
Here's what you need to know to prepare for your test:
Cardiac Perfusion Stress Test
What is it?
This test shows heart blood flow to the heart.
What do I need to do?
No coffee, chocolate, tea or pop for 24 hours before your test.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Bone Scan
What is it?
This test identifies injury or disease in bones and joints.
What do I need to do?
No special preparation is required.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 3 hours.
Thyroid Uptake & Scan
What is it?
This test identifies the activity of the thyroid gland.
What do I need to do?
Speak with your doctor to discontinue thyroid medications.
How long will it take?
This test is completed over 2 days. The first day is 5 minutes. The second day is 30 minutes.
Parathyroid Scan
What is it?
This test identifies the activity of the parathyroid glands.
What do I need to do?
No preparation required.
How long will it take?
The test takes 4 hours to complete.
Lung Scan
What is it?
This test identifies blockages in the air way and blood vesseles in the lungs.
What do I need to do?
There is no special preparation for this test.
How long will it take?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Salivary Scan
What is it?
This test identifies the function of your salivary glands.
What do I need to do?
No special preparation is required.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 1 hour.
Renal Scan
What is it?
This test identifies the function of the kidneys
What do I need to do?
Drink 1 Litre of water 1 hour before your test.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
MUGA
What is it?
This test assesses the function of your heart.
What do I need to do?
No special preparation is required.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 1 hours.
Liquid Gastric Emptying Test
What is it?
Observes how your stomach empties liquids
What do I need to do?
Nothing to eat for 4 hours prior to your test.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Solid Gastric Emptying Test
What is it?
Observes how your stomach empties solid food .
What do I need to do?
Nothing to eat for 4 hours prior to your test.
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 2 to 4 hours.
Gall Bladder Scan
What is it?
This test observes the function of your gall bladder.
What do I need to do?
Nothing to eat or drink for at least 4 hours.
How long will it take?
Can take up to 6 hours.
GI Bleed Study
What is it?
Looks for intermittent stomach bleeding.
What do I need to do?
No special preparation.
How long will it take?
Takes up to 4 hours.
BRAIN SCAN
What is it?
This test assesses blood flow to the brain.
What do I need to do?
No preparation. Bring a list of current medications
How long will it take?
Takes approximately 3 hours.