Nuclear Medicine
Tests Offered
ARTHROGRAM
You have been scheduled for an arthrogram study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
You will be sent to a radiologist’s office where a radioactive material will be injected into the joint space during an arthrogram procedure. You will then come to the Cancer Center where you will be lying on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed close to the part of your body being imaged. The camera does not produce any radiation, it simply records the signals from the radioactive compound. You will be asked to walk around for a few hours to manipulate the joint area and then return for repeat images. The images taken by the gamma camera generally take about one half hour each visit. Occasionally the physician requests repeat imaging the next day. These images will also take about 45 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments:
call (805) 569-7349. back to top
BEXXAR THERAPY:
You have been scheduled for a bexxar therapy which is a treatment for CD20 positive follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Bexxar is considered a dual action treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma because it attacks cancer cells in two ways, providing both radiation therapy and immunotherapy in a single treatment.
Preparation for the procedure:
24 hours prior to the dosimetric dose (the first infusion) you need to take 130mgs of SSKI in a tablet form. This SSKI protects your thyroid from absorbing the iodine used for the treatment. You will continue to take one tablet a day of the SSKI for 25 to 30 days.
What to expect:
Visit 1: Once you are here you will be brought to an exam room where we will have you lie down on a table. You will then be given Tylenol (to help prevent fever) and Benadryl (to help prevent allergic reactions or flu-like symptoms). An IV will be started in your arm in order to give you the treatment. 30 minutes after the Tylenol and Benadryl a 60 minute infusion of Tositumomab, the monoclonal antibody used in Bexxar will be given. You will then be given a 20 minute infusion of Tositumomab plus a small amount of Iodine-131. Following this 20 minute infusion you will have an image taken on a gamma camera.
Visit 2: One to Two days later you will have another image taken on a gamma camera.
Visit 3: Six or Seven days later you will have another image taken on a gamma camera.
Visit 4: Once you are here you will be brought to an exam room where we will have you lie down on a table. You will then be given Tylenol (to help prevent fever) and Benadryl (to help prevent allergic reactions or flu-like symptoms). An IV will be started in your arm in order to give you the treatment. 30 minutes after the Tylenol and Benadryl a 60 minute infusion of Tositumomab, the monoclonal antibody used in Bexxar will be given. You will then be given a 20 minute infusion of Tositumomab plus the treatment dose of Iodine-131.
Because of the amount of radiation from the I-131 given to you on visit 4 you will need to follow strict guidelines following the treatment for as many as 10 days. These will be discussed with you during your first visit if not beforehand.
Your questions and comments:
call (805) 569-7349. back to top
BILIARY TRACT STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a biliary tract study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You cannot have any food or drink 4 hours before the test. Please inform the technologist if you are allergic to morphine or if you have pancreatitis.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be over your abdomen. You will receive an intravenous injection of a radioactive tracer. Images will be acquired every 15 minutes for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Occasionally we will give morphine to enhance the test. Please inform your technologist if you are allergic to morphine.
Your doctor may wish to have additional information about how your gall bladder is contracting. If this is the case you will be given an intravenous injection of sincalide (this makes your gall bladder contract) and images will be acquired for an additional 45 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
BONE SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a bone scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions. You will be asked to drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquid between the injection and the scan.
What to expect:
There are several types of bone scans that are performed. Please ask your doctor’s office which of the following types of scans you will have.
1. Triple phase bone scan: Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table and a gamma camera will be placed near the area of your body that the doctor is interested in. You will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and scanned for approximately 15 minutes. You will be asked to return 2 to 4 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near the area of your body that the doctor is interested in. The scan takes approximately one hour.
2. Limited bone scan: Once in the injection room you will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and asked to return 2 to 4 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near the area of your body that the doctor is interested in. The scan takes approximately one hour.
3. Whole body bone scan: Once in the injection room you will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and asked to return 2 to 4 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room you will be lying down under a camera between two or three detectors called a gamma camera and images of all the bones in your body will be taken. The scan takes about 30 minutes.
4. Bone SPECT: This scan generally follows a limited or whole body bone scan, and takes 20 minutes. It gives the doctor more specific information about your bones. Once in the scan room you will be lying on a table where a camera with two or three detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your bones. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
BRAIN SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a brain scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects. You will be injected with the radioactive material intravenously.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in a quiet room an I.V. will be started in your arm. You will be asked to keep your eyes open and not speak for 5 minutes. During this time a radioactive tracer will be injected into the I.V. You will then be asked to wait 30 minutes before you are moved into the scan room. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a camera with three detectors will rotate around your head. The camera will make 3 dimensional images of your brain. The scan takes approximately 45 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
BREAST SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a breast scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in a scan room an I.V. will be started in your arm. You will be asked to remove your bra and be given a gown to put on. You will then lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of the breast area. The scan takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
CISTERNOGRAM STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a cisternogram study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
A physician will perform a lumbar puncture to infuse the isotope into the spinal canal. You will then lay flat for at least 30 minutes. You will be asked to return 4 to 6 hours later for a scan. Once in the scan room you will lie on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your head to image the cerebral spinal fluid in your brain. The scan takes approximately one hour. You will be asked to return for another scan at 24 hours. Occasionally further delay images are needed at 48 and 72 hours.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
CISTERNOGRAM STUDY FOR RHINORRHEA:
You have been scheduled for a cisternogram study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
A physician will perform a lumbar puncture to infuse the isotope into the spinal canal. You will then lie flat for at least 30 minutes. 4-6 absorbent dressings (nasal pledgets) will be placed in your nose to detect any leakage of cerebral spinal fluid. You will be asked to return 4 to 6 hours later for a scan. Once in the scan room you will lie on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your head to image the cerebral spinal fluid in your brain. The scan takes approximately one hour. You will be asked to return for another scan at 24 hours. Your blood will be drawn and the nasal pledgets will be removed at this time. Occasionally further delay images are needed at 48 and 72 hours.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
GALLIUM SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a gallium scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
1. Whole body gallium scan: Once in the injection room you will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and asked to return 24 to 72 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your body. The scan takes 30 minutes.
2. Gallium SPECT: This scan generally follows a whole body gallium scan and takes about 30 minutes. It gives the doctor more specific information about the soft tissues in your body. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a camera with two or three special detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your soft tissues. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
G.I. BLEEDING STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a G.I. bleeding study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You must be off pitressin for 4 hours prior to the test.
What to expect:
We begin by drawing some blood from you. Approximately 30 minutes later you will be brought to a scan room where you will lie on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your abdomen. Your radiolabelled blood will be injected into you and images will be acquired that will show where the blood is going in your body. The images will take approximately one hour. Often times you will need to come back throughout the day for additional imaging. Occasionally we have patients return for images at 24 hours.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
HEMANGIOMA STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a hemangioma study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
We begin by drawing blood from you. Approximately 30 minutes later you will be brought to a scan room where you will lie on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your abdomen. Your blood will be given back to you and images will be acquired that will show where the blood is going in your liver. The images will take approximately 45 minutes. You will need to return 2-3 hours later for additional imaging. When you return we will take the same images. Additionally, you will be lying down on a table where a camera with two or three detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your liver. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
GASTRIC EMPTYING STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a gastric emptying study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You cannot have any food or drink 4 hours before the test.
What to expect:
You will be given toast and a radioactive scrambled egg to eat. Then you will lie down on a table where a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your abdomen. Images will be taken from the front and back for 90 minutes.
The technologist will then perform some computer manipulation of the images. The images will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
WHITE BLOOD CELL STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a white blood cell study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
We begin by drawing blood from you. Approximately 1 1/2 hours later you return and we will inject your radiolabelled blood back into you. Some people need to return 30 minutes later for an image of the abdomen. This takes approximately 15 minutes.
1. Limited WBC scan: Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near the area of your body that the doctor is interested in. The scan takes approximately one hour.
2. Whole body WBC scan: Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your body. The scan takes one hour.
3. WBC SPECT: This scan generally follows a limited or whole body WBC scan and takes about 45 minutes. It gives the doctor more specific information about where the white blood cells are in your body. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a camera with two or three detectors which will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your radiolabelled white blood cells. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
LIVER SPLEEN STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a liver spleen study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your abdomen. You will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and the blood flow to your liver and spleen will be monitored. Then images of your liver and spleen are taken. This takes approximately 45 minutes. The doctor may request a three dimensional image of your liver and spleen. This scan gives the doctor more specific information about your liver and spleen. Once in the scan room you will be lying down next to a camera that has two or three detectors which will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your liver and spleen. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
LUNG VENTILATION AND PERFUSION STUDY (V/Q SCAN):
You have been scheduled for a lung ventilation and perfusion study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and will not make you feel any different.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
There are several types of lung studies that we perform. Please ask your doctor which of the following you will receive.
1. Lung Ventilation or aerosol: This study shows the doctor where the oxygen is going in your lungs. Once in the scan room you will lie on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your chest. The technologist will have you breathe a radioactive mist for approximately 5 minutes. Once you have enough of the mist in your lungs the technologist will take pictures of your lungs at different angles. This takes approximately 15 minutes.
2. Lung scan: This study shows the doctor where the blood is going in your lungs. You will lie down on a table and the technologist will give you an injection of a small amount of radioactive material in a vein. A gamma camera will be placed near your chest and the technologist will take pictures of your lungs at different angles. This test takes 10 minutes.
3. Lung quantitation: This study is a combination of the Lung Ventilation and the Lung Scan.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
LYMPH SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a lymph scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table and a doctor will make 4 injections of a radiotracer into your skin around the area your physician is interested in. A special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near the area to see where your lymph system later drains the injected material. You will be asked to return 2-4 hours and sometimes 24 hours for more images. The images take approximately 45 minutes each visit.
For a breast Lymph scan:
You will be brought into a room where you will put on a gown. A technologist will explain the test in detail. You will lie down on a table and the physician will clean the area of the breast where the lump is (or the biopsy site). This test involves two injections into the breast tissue. The first injection will be deeper into the breast tissue, and the second injection goes right under the skin. The injections take about 15 seconds each and are not painless. Unfortunately local anesthetics do not work in the breast tissue so there is nothing we can do to alleviate the pain of the injection. Thankfully is doesn’t last long. You will then be asked to return the next day for images of your breast and lymph nodes. We will take images and mark your skin in the location of the lymph node that drains that part of your breast. This will give the surgeon the location of where to look in order to remove the sentinel lymph node. That lymph node will be removed and biopsied. This test is used so that you do not have to have most of your lymph nodes removed which can cause complications later.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
MECKEL’S DIVERTICULUM STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a meckel’s diverticulum study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
1. It is preferable to have nothing to eat or drink from the night before, however 4 hours is adequate.
2. Starting 24 hours prior to the scan you need to take four doses of tagamet (300 mgs each) 6 hours apart with the last dose preferably being 2 hours prior to the scan. OR we can give you an injection of tagamet one hour prior to the scan.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed over your abdomen. A technologist will give you an injection in a vein and images will be taken. The imaging time takes approximately 45 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
ONCOSCINT STUDY:
You have been scheduled for an OncoScint (monoclonal antibody) study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects. However this radioactive material is linked to a mouse antibody which your body may react to. Symptoms include a drop in blood pressure and shock.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions for this exam unless you have had a monoclonal antibody study previously.
If you have had a monoclonal antibody test before, please inform the person scheduling your test. You will need to have a special blood test prior to the monoclonal antibody scan called a HAMA test. (If your HAMA level is above 100 then we may get a false negative exam.) This blood test must be scheduled 7 days before the monoclonal antibody exam.
What to expect:
You will be brought into an injection room and an I.V. will be started. A technologist will take your blood pressure and give the antibody through the I.V. Your blood pressure will be monitored every 7 minutes for 30 minutes to make sure you have no reaction to the antibody. You will be asked to return 3 days later for the scan. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your body. The scan takes between one hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. You may need to return the following day for more images. A SPECT scan follows the whole body scan. It gives the doctor more specific information about the soft tissues in your body. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a camera with 3 special detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your soft tissues. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
RESTING WALL MOTION STUDY (MUGA STUDY):
You have been scheduled for a Resting Wall Motion Study (MUGA study) which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and will not make you feel any different.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in an injection room a technologist will draw some blood from you. Approximately 30 minutes later you will move to a scan room where you will lie on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your chest. Your radiolabelled blood will be injected back into you and images will be acquired that will show a motion picture of your heart beating. The images will take approximately 20 minutes. This gives the doctor information about the percentage of blood your heart pumps with each beat. Occasionally an additional 3 dimensional image will be acquired where the camera will rotate around you. This image takes 20 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
OCTREOTIDE STUDY:
You have been scheduled for an Octreotide study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
1. You should be well hydrated when you arrive.
2. If you are on octreotide therapy please discontinue 24-48 hours prior to the injection. Please do not stop any medication without consulting your physician.
3. Please inform the technologist if you have or are suspected to have insulinoma.
What to expect:
You will be brought in to an injection room and a technologist will give you an injection in a vein. You will be asked to return 3-4 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your body. The scan takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours. You need to return the following day for more images that will require 90 minutes to 2 hours. A SPECT scan follows the whole body scan on the first or second day. It gives the doctor more specific information about the soft tissues in your body. Once in the scan room you will be lying on table and a camera with 3 special detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your soft tissues. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
PARATHYROID STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a parathyroid study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room an I.V. will be started in a vein in your arm. A technologist will give you an injection through the I.V. and we will wait a few minutes before we take an image. You will be asked to lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your neck and chest. Four images will be taken in one hour. You will then be asked to return approximately one hour later for more images. Once you are on the exam table there will be three images taken. You will be asked to remain still for 30 minutes while these images are taken. During this time the technologist will give you another injection through your I.V.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
PYROPHOSPHATE MYOCARDIAL STUDY:
You have been scheduled for a pyrophosphate myocardial study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and will not make you feel any different.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
You will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and asked to return 3 to 4 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room a camera with three special detectors on it called a gamma camera will be placed near your chest. Images of your chest will be taken at different angles. Following these images a SPECT scan will be done. During this scan the three detectors rotate around your chest and make a three dimensional image of your heart. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. The scan takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
RENAL FLOW AND SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a renal flow and scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You need to be well hydrated prior to the scan. Please drink 3 glasses of water prior to the scan.
What to expect:
You will be asked to empty your bladder before we start the test. Once in the scan room an I.V. will be started in a vein in your arm. You will be asked to lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images from behind you. A technologist will give you an injection through the I.V. and we will image the blood flow to your kidneys for 6 minutes. You will then receive another injection through your I.V. and images will be taken for 30 minutes. You will be asked to empty your bladder again before images of your kidneys are taken with you sitting up. The technologist will then do some computer manipulation of the images to get information about blood flow as well as kidney function.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
RENAL FLOW AND SCAN WITH LASIX:
You have been scheduled for a renal flow and scan with lasix which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You need to be well hydrated prior to the scan. Please drink 3 glasses of water prior to the scan.
What to expect:
You will be asked to empty your bladder before we start the test. Once in the scan room an I.V. will be started in a vein in your arm. You will be asked to lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images from behind you. A technologist will give you an injection through the I.V. and we will image the blood flow to your kidneys for 6 minutes. You will then receive another injection through your I.V. and images will be taken for 30 minutes. You will be asked to empty your bladder again before images of your kidneys are taken with you sitting up. The doctor will then give you an injection of lasix (a diuretic) through your I.V. and images will be taken for 25 minutes. The technologist will then do some computer manipulation of the images to get information about blood flow as well as kidney function.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
RENAL FLOW AND SCAN WITH CAPTOPRIL:
You have been scheduled for a renal flow and scan with captopril which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You need to be well hydrated prior to the scan. Please drink 3 glasses of water prior to the scan.
Please inform the technologist if you are taking an ACE inhibitor medication such as captopen, vasotec, zestril, lotensin, monopril, prinivil, accupril, or altace. You should be taken off this medication for 2 days prior to the test. Please do not stop any medication without consulting your physician.
What to expect:
You will be asked to empty your bladder before we start the test. Once in the scan room an I.V. will be started in a vein in your arm. Your blood pressure will be taken and a technologist will give you two captopril pills to swallow. Your blood pressure will be monitored for 60 minutes. You will be asked to lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images from behind you. A technologist will give you an injection through the I.V. and we will image the blood flow to your kidneys for 6 minutes. You will then receive another injection through your I.V. and images will be taken for 30 minutes. You will be asked to empty your bladder again before images of your kidneys are taken with you sitting up. The technologist will then do some computer manipulation of the images to get information about blood flow as well as kidney function.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
SALIVARY GLAND SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a salivary gland scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and images will be taken 15 minutes later. After the injection you will be asked to lie down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your head. Four images will be taken of your salivary glands at different angles. You may also be given a lemon wedge to suck on to stimulate the salivary glands. Following this the same four images will be taken again. The scan takes approximately one hour.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
SCHILLING TEST:
You have been scheduled for a schilling test which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You need to have nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the test.
All Vitamin B-12 shots should be stopped at least 2 days prior to the test, but preferably one week prior to the test.
What to expect:
A technologist will ask you some questions and then give you two capsules to swallow. You will be asked to return 60 minutes later (please remain fasting). When you return the technologist will give you a vitamin B-12 shot in your arm and a container to collect all of your urine for the next 24 hours. The urine may be stored at room temperature. Please return the container of urine the next day. It is very important to collect all of your urine. If you forget, please inform the technologist of the time of day and the estimated amount of missed urine collection.
The technologist will run a test on your urine that will provide information about Vitamin B-12 absorption. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
APPENDICITIS STUDY:
You have been scheduled for an appendicitis study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
We begin by drawing some blood from you. Approximately 2 hours later you will return and we inject your radiolabelled blood back into you. You will be asked to return 30 minutes later for images of the abdomen. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your abdomen. Images will be taken every 15 minutes for approximately 2 hours. A SPECT image may be done for further information. For this study you will be lying down on a table and a camera with 3 detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your abdomen. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
TESTICULAR SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a testicular scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will be asked to lie on a table. Your penis will be taped up away from your testicles. A towel will be placed under your testicles to keep them level to the camera. A gamma camera will be placed near your testicles. You will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and scanned for approximately 30 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION STUDY WITH ADENOSINE:
You have been scheduled for an Adenosine Myocardial Perfusion Study which involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and will not make you feel any different.
Preparation for the procedure:
You cannot have any food or drink 3 hours before the test. You can have no products containing caffeine 24 hours before the exam (ie. no decaf or regular coffee, no decaf or regular tea, cola, chocolate, anacin, excedrin, etc.). You may continue any medication which has been prescribed for you. If you take Theophylline or Persantine please notify the technologist.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room an IV will be started in your arm and you will be injected with Thallium. Ten minutes later you will be positioned on your back and a camera with three special detectors will rotate around your heart. This scan will take approximately 30 minutes. You will then be prepped for an EKG. Adenosine will be infused through the IV (approximately 5 minutes). You may feel slightly flushed or have a headache but these feelings will pass very quickly. During the infusion you will receive a compound called Cardiolite. Once the Cardiolite is given you will be asked to wait for 15 minutes. You will return to the camera and have a second 15 minute scan performed. A third scan will then be performed that will correct for any breast or diaphragmatic attenuation of the isotope (15 min.). This entire procedure takes between 2 and 4 hours. In some cases a separate set of images 24 hours later may be necessary.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION STRESS STUDY(formerly Stress Thallium or Cardiolite):
You have been scheduled for an Exercise Myocardial Perfusion Study which involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and will not make you feel any different.
Preparation for the procedure:
You cannot have any food or drink 3 hours before the test. You can have no products containing caffeine 24 hours before the exam (ie. no decaf or regular coffee, no decaf or regular tea, cola, chocolate, anacin, excedrin, etc.). If you are taking beta blockers or calcium blockers please contact your physician. With your physician’s approval do not take Beta blockers for 48 hours and Calcium channel blockers for 24 hours prior to the exam. Wear or bring comfortable clothing and shoes as you will be asked to exercise on a treadmill.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room an IV will be started in your arm and you will be injected with Thallium. Ten minutes later you will be positioned on your back and a camera with three special detectors will rotate around your heart. This scan will take approximately 30 minutes. You will then be prepped for an EKG and exercise on a treadmill with a doctor present. During peak exercise a camera will be placed in front of your chest and you will receive a compound called Cardiolite. There will be a 15-20 minute wait and then you will return to the camera where a second set of pictures of your heart will be taken (approx. 15 minutes). A third scan will be performed which will correct for any breast or diaphragmatic attenuation of the isotope (approx. 20 minutes). This entire procedure takes around 2 hours. In some cases a separate set of images 24 hours later may be necessary.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION STUDY RESTING WITH THALLIUM or MIBI:
You have been scheduled for a resting thallium study which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and will not make you feel any different.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no preparations for this procedure.
What to expect: Thallium:
Once in the scan room you will be injected with Thallium in a vein in your arm. Ten minutes later you will be positioned on your back and a camera with three special detectors will rotate around your heart. This scan will take approximately 20 minutes. Four hours later a second 20 minute picture will be taken of your heart. Some patients require additional images 24 hours later. These images will take approximately 30 minutes.
What to expect: MIBI:
Once in the scan room you will be injected with MIBI in a vein in your arm. Ten minutes later you will be positioned on your back and a camera with three special detectors will rotate around your heart. This scan will take approximately 20 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
WHOLE BODY THALLIUM or CARDIOLITE (MIBI) SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a whole body thallium or cardiolite scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will be injected with a radioactive tracer in a vein in your arm. You will be lying down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera takes images of your body. The scan takes from 1 to 2 hours. Occasionally the doctor requests a SPECT study. This scan generally follows a whole body scan. It gives the doctor more specific information about the soft tissues in your body. Once in the scan room you will be lying down on a table and a camera with three special detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your soft tissues. This scan takes approximately 45 minutes. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
THYROID BODY SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a thyroid body scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You must be off all thyroid medication. Please consult your physician for instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room you will be given a radioactive pill to drink. You will be asked to return 2 days later for the images. When you return for the images you will be lying down on a table and a special detector called a gamma camera images of your body. The scan takes 1 hour.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
THYROID UPTAKE and/or SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a thyroid uptake and/or scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You cannot have any food or drink 4 hours before the test. You need to be off all drugs containing iodine for 1 to 6 weeks prior to this test. Please do not stop any medication without consulting your physician. Radiographic iodinated contrast media also interferes with the uptake. Please inform the technologist if you have had any X-ray contrast in the last 4 weeks. If you have we may want to postpone your test for a few weeks.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room you will be given a radioactive tracer in the form of a capsule to swallow. You may eat one hour after you swallow the capsule. You will be asked to return 4-6 hours later for the uptake and scan. Once in the scan room you will lie down near a special detector called a gamma camera. The uptake and scan takes approximately one hour.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
VOIDING CYSTOURETEROGRAM:
You have been scheduled for a voiding cystoureterogram which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions for this exam. For small children we request that you first go to your doctor to have a catheter put in place.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will be asked to lie on a table. A nurse will place a urinary catheter in you if one is not already in place. We will then drip a radioactive tracer with saline into your bladder. We need to fill your bladder as much as possible, so you may become uncomfortable during the test. Once you say you cannot hold any more fluid we sit you up and remove the catheter. You will then urinate into a bedpan. A special detector called a gamma camera will be taking images the whole time.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
P-32 TREATMENT:
You have been scheduled for a P-32 treatment which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions for this exam.
About P-32:
Essential thrombocytosis is a disorder characterized by a markedly increased platelet count. P-32 is effective in lowering the platelet counts of most of these patients. It is administered intravenously in a dose of 2-5 mCi depending on the patients weight, and record of response to previous doses. Treatment will generally be effective for 3-12 months, but some milder cases will require treatment once every several years.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room you will be asked to sign a consent form for this treatment. An IV will then be placed in your arm. Our Physician will then administer the P-32 through the IV. There are no side effects of this drug. You will be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
SR-89 OR SM-153 TREATMENT:
You have been scheduled for a Sr-89 or Sm-153 treatment which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions for this exam.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room you will be asked to sign a consent form for this treatment. An IV will then be placed in your arm. Our Physician will then administer the drug through the IV. There are no side effects of this drug. You will be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
THYROID TREATMENT (hyperthyroidism):
You have been scheduled for a thyroid treatment which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is designed to destroy part of your thyroid gland.
Preparation for the procedure:
Please have nothing to eat or drink for two hours prior to this exam. There are restrictions involved with this test that will be described in detail to you prior to treatment. Basically you will be emitting radiation and will be asked to avoid contact with people for a certain period of time depending on the amount of radiation you received. Women of childbearing age will be required to have a pregnancy test. You will also be asked not to become pregnant for six months following treatment.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room you will be asked to sign a consent form for this treatment. The technologist will ask you several questions to determine if you have been given all the information needed prior to the treatment. With our Physician present you will then be given a pill to swallow. There are no side effects of this drug. You will be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
THYROID TREATMENT (CANCER):
You have been scheduled for a thyroid treatment which involves the use of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is designed to destroy part of your thyroid gland.
Preparation for the procedure:
Please have nothing to eat or drink for two hours prior to this exam. Our Physician will speak to you prior to the treatment to get all the information from you regarding your living situation. If you are living with other people you will need to limit exposure to them. If this is not possible in your current living situation you may need to go to a hotel room for a few days. Some people will need to be hospitalized for this treatment. The reason for the hospitalization is to keep radiation exposure to other people to a minimum. There are restrictions involved with this test that will be described in detail to you prior to treatment. Basically you will be emitting radiation and will be asked to avoid contact with people for a certain period of time depending on the amount of radiation you received. Women of childbearing age will be required to have a pregnancy test. You will also be asked not to become pregnant for six months following treatment.
What to expect:
Once in the exam room you will be asked to sign a consent form for this treatment. The technologist will ask you several questions to determine if you have been given all the information needed prior to the treatment. With our Physician present you will then be given a pill to swallow. There are no side effects of this drug. You will be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
BONE DENSITY STUDY (DEXA):
You have been scheduled for a bone density or DEXA study which involves the use of a small amount of x-rays about equal to a 1/16 of a chest x-ray.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions. If you wear clothing without zippers or buttons you will not need to change into a gown.
What to expect:
When you arrive you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history related to osteoporosis. We will then measure your height and weight. You will then be brought into the room where the machine is. You will be asked to lie down on the table. The machine will take images of your spine and both of your femurs. This takes about 10 minutes. It is a very simple procedure.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
NEOTECT SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a neotect scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You should be well hydrated prior to the scan.
What to expect:
Once in the injection room you will be injected in a vein in your arm with a radioactive tracer and asked to return 2 to 4 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your body from head to pelvis. The scan takes approximately 30 minutes. A SPECT scan generally follows a whole body scan, and takes about 30 minutes. It gives the doctor more specific information. For the SPECT scan you will be lying down on a table and two or three detectors which will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
ACCUTECT SCAN:
You have been scheduled for an accutect scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-test instructions for this test.
What to expect:
Once in the injection room you will be injected in a vein in your arm with a radioactive tracer and asked to return 1 hour later for the scan. Once in the scan room a special detector called a gamma camera will take images of your body from head to pelvis. The scan takes approximately 40 minutes. A SPECT scan generally follows a whole body scan, and takes about 20 minutes. It gives the doctor more specific information. For the SPECT scan you will be lying down on a table and two or three detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
CEA SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a CEA scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
We ask that you drink plenty of fluids on the day prior to the study. You will also be asked to drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours after the injection.
What to expect:
Once in the injection room you will be intravenously injected with a radioactive tracer and asked to return 2.5 to 3 hours later for the scan. Once in the scan room scan you will be lying down on a table and a camera with two or three detectors will rotate around you and make 3 dimensional images of your abdomen and pelvis. The scan takes approximately 40 minutes. Following this another 40 minute scan will be obtained of your body from head to pelvis. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. You will need to return about 45 minutes later for an additional 3 dimensional image of your abdomen. This image takes about 40 minutes. You may need to return the next day for the same imaging. This will take about 90 minutes.
The imaged films will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
BRAIN TUMOR IMAGING WITH THALLIUM AND MIBI:
You have been scheduled for a Brain tumor scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room an IV will be placed in a vein in your arm. Two radioactive tracers will then be injected through the IV. A SPECT scan will then be performed. For this you will be lying down on a table and two or three detectors will rotate around your head and make 3 dimensional images. A second SPECT scan will be performed. Each scan takes about 30 minutes. Claustrophobia is not usually a problem. This gives the doctor information similar to a CT or MRI.
The images will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
DACROCYSTOGRAM SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a dacrocystogram scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-exam instructions.
What to expect:
Once in the scan room you will be sitting in a chair and the doctor will place drops in each eye. After the drops a special detector called a gamma camera will be placed near your head. Images will be taken immediately and every 5 minutes for 15 minutes. The scan takes approximately 45 minutes.
The images will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
PET SCAN(FDG SCAN):
You have been scheduled for a PET scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You are asked to not have any products containing sugar for 24 hours prior to your arrival. Also we ask that you have nothing to eat for six hours prior to your arrival.
Sample diet:
Foods Recommended: leafy green vegetables, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, lean meats, chicken, fish, cheese, tofu, eggs, natural peanut butter, sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free soda, broth-based soups, oils, butter, margarine, teas, and coffee (no sugar added), herbs, spices, vinegar.
Foods to Avoid: sodas, chocolates, candy, fruits, juices, breads, cereals, rice, pasta, carrots, potatoes, peas, milk.
What to expect:
Once in the injection room you will be sitting in a chair and the technologist will place an IV in a vein in your arm. We will ask you to relax and then you will receive an injection of radioactive glucose through the IV. You will then wait approximately 30 minutes before your scan begins. The PET machine looks similar to a MRI but is more open. The first image will be of your brain. This takes 20 minutes. Then you will be asked to use the restroom and we will begin the second image. This image goes from your pelvis to mid head. This image takes 45 minutes to one hour. It is critical that you remain still and breathe normally during the scan.
If your doctor only ordered an image of your head then you do not need to follow all the pretest instructions. Please just do not have anything to eat for two hours prior to your arrival. Also you will not be getting the second image so your scan time is only 20 minutes.
The images will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
MIBG SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a MIBG scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You will need to go to a pharmacy and pick up Iodine drops prescribed by your physician. You will take the iodine drops for 2-3 days prior to the MIBG injection and 4 days after the injection.
What to expect:
Once in the injection room you will receive an injection in a vein in your arm. You will then return one day later for the scan. For the scan you will be asked to lie down on a table and a camera with two detectors will take images from your head to pelvis. This image takes 45 minutes. The next day when you return you will receive another injection in a vein in your arm before your scan begins. Images similar to what you had the previous day will be acquired. This scan takes about one hour.
The images will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
MYOSCINT CARDIAC SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a Myoscint cardiac scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
No preparation is needed.
What to expect:
The first day you come in only for an injection in a vein in your arm. The next day you return for a three dimensional image of your chest. For the image you will lie on a table and a camera with 3 camera heads will rotate around your chest. You will then receive another injection in a vein in your arm. We will then wait 10 minutes and repeat the three dimensional image. Each scan takes about twenty five minutes.
The images will be reviewed and the results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
PY TEST:
You have been scheduled for a PY test which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
You need to fast for 6 hours prior to your arrival. You need to be off antibiotics for one month. You need to be off Prilosec, Prevacid or Carafate for two weeks. No Pepto Bismol for one month.
What to expect:
Once you arrive you will be given a pill to swallow. Ten minutes later we will ask you to take a deep breath and hold it for 10 seconds, then blow up a balloon as you exhale. The balloon is then sent out to a laboratory for analysis. The results return about 2 days later.
The results will be reviewed and sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
PROSTASCINT SCAN:
You have been scheduled for a ProstaScint scan which involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.
Preparation for the procedure:
There are no pre-test instructions for the first visit. You will be given the pre-test instructions for the scan at the time of your injection.
What to expect:
Once you arrive you will be given an injection in a vein in your arm. Four days later you return for the scan. When you return we will draw some blood from you. You will then be asked to lie on a table and a camera with two camera heads will take an image of your body from head to pelvis. This will take 30 minutes. We will then give your blood back to you and take a three dimensional image of your pelvis. For this image the camera will rotate around your pelvis area. This image takes 45 minutes. Occasionally we need patients to return the next day or two days later for follow up images of the abdomen. We will let you know if you need to return sometime in the afternoon on the day of your scan.
The images will be reviewed and results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
ZEVALIN THERAPY:
You have been scheduled for a zevalin therapy. Zevalin is used to treat CD20 positive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Zevalin regimen combines a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen with the radioisotope yttrium-90 (Y-90).
Preparation for the procedure:
You will have a Rituximab infusion at your Oncologist office immediately prior to coming to the Cancer Center for your Zevalin therapy.
What to expect:
Visit 1: Immediately following your Rituximab infusion at your Oncologist’s office you will come to the Cancer Center where you will be brought to an exam room. You will then be given an infusion of In-111 Zevalin over a 10 minute period.
Visit 2: The following day you will return for images on a gamma camera.
Visit 3: The second day following the infusion you will return for images on a gamma camera.
Visit 4: The following week (seven days from the first infusion) begins the treatment portion. Immediately following your Rituximab infusion at your Oncologist’s office you will come to the Cancer Center where you will be brought to an exam room. You will then be given an infusion of Y-90 Zevalin over a 10 minute period.
Your questions and comments: call (805) 569-7349. back to top
