Nuclear Medicine scans are a safe and non-invasive procedure that measure organ functions and identifies conditions such as blood clots in the lungs, bone cancer, heart failure, and more. These scans use small amounts of radioactive materials (called tracers) to help diagnose health conditions by providing information on the organs and organ systems. The procedure involves injection, inhalation, or swallowing of radioactive materials. 

 

Special cameras are then used to detect the energy released by the radioactive materials to generate high-quality images of the body's internal organs and tissues. Depending on the part of the body being scanned, the length of time for the radioactive materials to localize may change. Radioactive tracers lose its energy rapidly and the body naturally processes it out. To shorten this period so we have adequate time to perform the scan, please drink plenty of fluids and void frequently. Learn more about Nuclear Medicine exams.

 

These studies are performed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Requests for Nuclear Medicine are arranged through a physician. To book, call (519) 621-2333 ext. 2245.  

 

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Please arrive at 15 minutes before your appointment time and bring your health card. If you are late, your appointment may be rescheduled.  From the Main Entrance, proceed down Wing A, Level 1 past the elevators to the Diagnostic Imaging Registration to register and check-in for your appointment. From Diagnostic Imaging Registration proceed to 4B Nuclear Medicine.  Have a seat in the waiting area and the technologist will come and get you for your exam.   

Nuclear Medicine Exams

A nuclear medicine test can vary in duration from 1-4 hours and for some tests you may have to return on additional days. Please click here for the specific information and instructions on the nuclear medicine exam that your physician has requested:

 

Please note that on occasion, your appointment may be delayed due to emergency patients taking priority.

  

 

Nuclear Medicine Stress Test

A nuclear medicine stress test takes 4.5 - 5 hours and has four parts, so plan accordingly. If you have been booked for a 2-day test, parts 1 and 2 will be done the first day and parts 3 and 4 on the second day. Nuclear Medicine stress tests may require you to exercise on a treadmill, please bring your running shoes for this part of the test.

 

Instructions for this test are extremely important. If you do not follow the instructions, your test may need to be rescheduled.  

 

  • No caffeine (including decaffeinated products) are not allowed 24 hours before the test. 
  • Do not eat, drink or chew gum 4 hours before the test.
  • Your physician may advise you to stop certain medications before the test (e.g., some heart and blood medications can effect the results of the test).
  • If you are diabetic, please contact your care provider for medication and dietary instructions.

If you have questions regarding these instructions, please call 519-621-2333 x2245 on Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

For more information, access the patient pamphlet here: Welcome to Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Exam

A technologist will explain the test to you and may ask some questions about your medical history. Most tests require an injection of a radioactive tracer into the vein of your arm or hand. Generally, patients do not have any allergies or reactions to these materials. 

 

Please click here for the specific information and instructions on the nuclear medicine exam that your physician has requested:

 

When the scans begin, you will be asked to lie on your back. You may be asked to raise your arms above your head for some pictures. It is important you remain very still and breathe normally to avoid getting blurry images. 

 

Nuclear Medicine Stress Test

There are 4 parts to this test. 

 

  1. The technologist will explain the test, complete a health screening interview about your cardiac history and ask you to sign a consent form. You will receive an injection with the radioactive tracer (called a Sestamibi or MIBI) by an IV in your arm. You will then wait for approximately 1 hour for Part 2.
  2. The resting pictures of your heart will be taken using our Nuclear Medicine camera. You will lie on your back with your arms resting above your head for 15 minutes. It is important you remain very still and breathe normally to avoid getting blurry images. After this, you may proceed to Part 3 or return on Day 2 for Part 3 and 4. 
  3. You will be connected to a heart monitor and blood pressure machine. If you are having an exercise stress test, you will walk on the treadmill to increase blood flow to your heart. If you are having dipyridamole or dobutamine stress test, this medication is given to simulate exercise. A doctor is present to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure which is expected to change (increasing or decreasing). A second injection of MIBI will be administered and you will wait approximately 1-2 hours before Part 4. You will be given instructions regarding eating and drinking. 
  4. The stress pictures of your heart will be taken using our Nuclear Medicine camera. You will lie on your back with your arms resting above your head for 15 minutes. It is important you remain very still and breathe normally to avoid getting blurry images. 

 

You may resume normal activities after the procedure.  Within 24 hours the majority of the radioactive material will be gone from your body.  Drinking fluids and voiding frequently helps to clear the radioactive material from the body faster. 

 

If you are travelling within two weeks of your test, ask the technologist for a document explaining that you were given radioactive material. With increased security measures at airports and border crossings, radiation detectors have been installed which could detect traces of the radioactive material in your body. This supporting document may help avoid lengthy delays. 

 

The Nuclear Medicine physician or cardiologist will report the exam and results will be provided to your physician(s) within two weeks. Please follow up with your physician(s) for the results. 

Resources

Nuclear Cardiology Patient Pamphlet

Nuclear Medicine Patient Pamphlet

Nuclear Medicine Patient Preparation by Scan Type

 

Risks Associated with Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine tests are generally safe, non-invasive procedures. Some risks are listed below.

 

  • Exposure to Radiation: Nuclear medicine tests involve an injection of radiopharmaceutical, which exposes you to a small amount of radiation (similar to x-rays). Female patients who are or might be pregnant must inform the technologist in advance. Radiation risk is not well known, but is believed to be very small. Your physician will determine if this test is right for you. 

For Nuclear Medicine stress tests only:

  • Risk of Cardiac Event: During the stress portion of the nuclear medicine stress test, you will exercise on a treadmill or receive a medication (dipyridamole or dobutamine) that increases the blood flow to your heart. You are monitored by a physician during this time. In rare instances (1 in 10,000) patients, a serious or life-threatening event may occur requiring medical attention.