Isotope study

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Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan

You must remain still to get accurate and useful images. For some tests, a counter is placed over the organ, and the amount of radioactivity or intensity of radioactivity is recorded.

A technician interprets the information as it is transmitted to the computer and can guide the camera to specific locations to improve the imaging.

Inform the technician or physician of ALL medications you are currently and have recently been taking, since they may interfere with the isotopes given for the exam. Also be sure to mention any recent imaging studies involving injected contrast media (dye) and oral or rectal contrast (such as from gastrointestinal studies) since they may also interfere.

You must sign a consent form before the radioactive compound is given. You may need to fast overnight before the test. Depending on the region being scanned, you may need to wear a hospital gown. Remove jewelry, dentures, and other metal that may affect the scan by blocking the gamma rays from the detectors.

If the isotope is injected, there will be a sharp prick when the needle is inserted. If a catheter is inserted, the site of insertion is usually numbed with an anesthetic. You will first feel a prick when the needle is inserted, but you will feel little more than slight pressure or tugging during the injection of the isotope. If the isotope is ingested, the flavor of the liquid may be unpleasant, but no pain is involved.

For patients who are extremely sensitive to the isotope, there may be nausea, headache, or vomiting. Discuss allergies with the health care provider or technician before the test.

Nuclear radiography shows the size, shape, position, and some function of the target organs specific for a particular radioisotope molecule. If another test has indicated cancer or abscess, this test can help support that diagnosis and indicate the location. Repeat examinations can be used to gauge response to therapies.

Review Date: 08/03/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.