Nuclear Medicine procedures require the use of a radioactive isotope given in the form of either an  injection or capsule.   This isotope visualizes the anatomical structures in the body which need examination.  Your doctor will decide which procedure will give the most optimal results. Please refer to your request (order) form to see what your doctor has selected.       

A special isotope dose is ordered from a radiopharmaceutical pharmacy for each individual procedure.  If you cannot make your appointment please call the Central Scheduling line immediately at 210-617-6300.

If there is a chance the patient may be pregnant a blood serum pregnancy test will be required prior to confirming the appointment.

*NOTE: Pediatric Patients being scheduled for Nuclear Medicine procedures will receive prepping instructions directly from an AMI representative depending on the patient’s age & weight.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE PROCEDURES REQUIRING DIETARY PREPARATION:    

Hepatobiliary

Gastric Emptying  

Dietary Preparation:

The above  exams  require the patient to  remain NPO (nothing to eat or drink) preferably after midnight the day before your exam. Or, if that is not possible, please do not eat or drink six (6-8) to eight hours prior to your exam.  

NUCLEAR MEDICINE PROCEDURES WHICH DO NOT REQUIRE A DIETARY PREP:

Bone Scan

·Whole Body

·Limited

·3-Phase

·Spect

·Bone Marrow

·Multiple Area

Liver/Spleen Scan

RBC Spect Liver Scan*

Muga

Parathyroid Scan

Meckel’s Scan

Renal Scan*

Indium III Leukocyte

Gallium Scan

*Renal scans and RBC SPECT Liver scans may have special instruction depending on the diagnosis associated with your exam. Please speak with the scheduler to determine if special instruction are needed.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE PROCEDURES  WHICH REQUIRE MEDICATION CHANGES OR SPECIAL PREPARATION PRIOR TO EXAMINATION.  

Thyroid Uptake and Scan

Patient must refrain from taking thyroid medication for 6 weeks prior to the  scheduled scan. Always check with your physician before discontinuing any medication.

No prior iodine contrast studies should be performed  within a 6-week period prior to the thyroid scan. 

Octreoscan 

Patient must  take four (4) Ducalox tablets the night prior to the scan. Please drink plenty of water to remain properly hydrated.