HIDA SCAN
This test evaluates the gallbladder function. The patient must fast 6-8 hours
prior to this test. This test includes imaging of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts,
including cholecystokinin stimulation and calculation of the gallbladder ejection fraction. The patient may experience reproduction of your gallbladder pain after injection of the cholecystokinin, which stimulates the gallbladder. Imaging time is approximately 1 ½ -2 hours.

VQ SCAN – (Lung/ventilation)
This test evaluates the lungs for blood clots known as emboli.  No fasting is required.  The patient will breathe in a nuclear tracer and three images will be taken of the lungs. This is followed by an IV injection of a similar tracer, followed by nine more images. Testing time is 2 hours and includes a chest X-ray.

I-123 THYROID
This test evaluates the thyroid for hot and cold nodules, as well as for overall thyroid function.  The patient will take two nuclear (iodine) pills 6 hours prior to their first set of imaging.  After 20 minutes of pictures, the patient returns in 24 hours for 10 more minutes of imaging. Patients must abstain from eating sea food for three days prior to testing and should avoid vitamins with fish oil.  Thyroid medication should be suspended for 20 days prior to testing, but always consult with your physician before stopping medications.

LIVER/SPLEEN
This test evaluates for disease of the liver and spleen. No fasting is required. Imaging of the liver and spleen takes approximately 45 minutes to complete with a 5 minute waiting period. Testing includes I.V. injection of the nuclear tracer followed by nuclear images.

BONE SCAN
This multipurpose test assesses the severity of osteoarthritis, identifies stress fractures, diagnoses Paget’s bone disease, evaluates inflammatory disease and identifies neoplastic lesions in the bone.  After injection of a nuclear tracer and a 2 hour incubation (waiting) period, the technologist will obtain a complete series of bone images.  The patient will need to drink 32 oz. of water during the waiting period to assist in imaging.

DEXA-BONE DENSITY
This test gives a quick and accurate evaluation of bone density and helps the physician to assess whether osteoporosis treatment is needed.  It is performed first if a Nuclear test is scheduled on the same day and should not be performed within 14 days of CT/MRI imaging.

NUCLEAR RENAL IMAGAING
This test evaluates kidney blood flow and function. The imaging takes approximately 45 minutes. The patient receives a nuclear tracer intravenously and a series of nuclear images are performed. Captopril-renal imaging also requires the patient to take an additional pill one hour prior to testing.  Patients on captopril or other ACE-inhibitors should stop the night before imaging after consulting their physician.