Nuclear Medicine

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Nuclear Medicine/Molecular Imaging Services

Nuclear Medicine is a medical imaging specialty that uses radioactive isotopes (radiopharmaceuticals) for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

A radioisotope is introduced into the body (usually by injection). The radiation it emits is detected by a scanner (gamma camera) and recorded as an image. These images reflect the distribution of the radioisotope in different areas of the body and can help to visualize the structure and function of an organ, tissue, bone or system within the body.

Nuclear Medicine studies include

Bone Scans
Hepatobiliary Scans
Cardiac Stress Tests
Gastric Emptying Scan
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan
Liver/Spleen Scan
Lung Ventilation/Perfusions Scans
Meckle’s Scan
Renal Scans
Thyroid Scan
White Blood Cell Imagining
Lymphoscintigraphy

Where are Nuclear Medicine Studies located?

Nuclear Medicine studies are located at Jackson Hospital in the Imaging Services Department.

Renal Scan (with or without LasixTM)

What is a Renal Scan and what does it do?

Renal Scan:
This scan determines the number, size, and position of the kidneys.
It can detect renal cortical scars, masses, lacerations, contusions, abscesses, and
inflammation.
It can evaluate renal function and perfusion, as well as differential renal function.
A Renal Scan is indicated for the evaluation and follow-up of renal obstruction, evaluation of
acute and chronic renal failure, and evaluation and follow-up of renal transplant.

Renal Scan with Lasix™:
The diuretic augmented renal scan is an excellent test for distinguishing non-obstructive versus obstructive dilatation of the renal pelvis. This test can also determine if surgery has been successful in relieving a known obstruction.

Who performs the test?

The Nuclear Renal Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Nuclear Renal Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam is approximately 60 minutes.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
Be well hydrated if possible.
Do not take any diuretics 3-7 Days before your exam (per physician’s recommendation).

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
Be well hydrated if possible.
Do not take any diuretics 3-7 Days before your exam (per physician’s recommendation).

What happens during your exam?

Renal Scan without Lasix:
You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.

There will be an intravenous injection when the scan is started.
You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your kidneys and urinary system.

The total time of the exam is approximately 60 minutes.

Renal Scan with Lasix:
You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.

An intravenous line (IV) will be started before the test.
There will be an intravenous injection when the scan is started.
You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your kidneys and urinary system.

10 minutes into the scan Lasix™ will be given through the IV access.

The total time of the exam is approximately 60 minutes.

What to do after your exam?

Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The written results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when the radiologist’s report is complete.

Thyroid Scan

What is a Thyroid Scan and what does it do?

This test evaluates goiters, thyroid nodules, and sub-sternal masses. Please note that this study only evaluates thyroid tissue and unusual locations of thyroid tissue, but does not evaluate for carcinoma or glandular diseases.

Who performs the test?

The Nuclear Thyroid Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Thyroid Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam is 45 minutes.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What happens during your exam?

You will be asked to remove any jewelry from around your neck.

There will be an intravenous injection before the scan is started.

You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your Thyroid Gland from several different angles.

What to do after your exam?

Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when the Radiologists transcription is complete.

Bone Scan

What is a Bone Scan and what does it do?

There are 3 types of Bone Scans we provide:

Whole Body Bone Scans

Detection of primary and staging metastatic disease.
Evaluation of neoplasm or known lesion(s), and differentiation of monostotic (single bone) from polyostotic primary bone tumors.
Detect and evaluate metabolic bone disease such as Pagett’s disease (bone inflammation and resorption replaced by soft bone), osteoporosis, and osteomalacia (vitamin D deficiency), and other osteopathies.
Evaluate abnormal laboratory results (e.g., elevated prostate-specific antigen [PSA], elevated alkaline phosphates in osteogenic sarcoma and metastatic prostate cancer, elevated Ca2+ in breast, lung, and kidney cancer bone).

Limited Bone Scans

Detection of occult (obscure, difficult to find) fractures and known or suspected fractures (at least 48 hours following injury).
Evaluates bone pain and/or trauma in a specific area, and localization of site for biopsy.
A Limited Bone Scan is indicated to evaluate bone graft viability, bone viability when blood supply is in question (infarct), and to evaluate the patient for bone surgery (e.g., vertebroplasty, total knee or hip replacements

Three Phase Bone Scans

A Three Phase Bone Scan examines vascular, immediate blood pool, then osseous (osteoblastic) activity distinguishing cellulitis (activity in flow and immediate phases) from osteomyelitis (activity in third or all three phases.)
This scan is indicated when differentiation between osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone and bone marrow) and cellulites (inflammation of cellular or connective tissues) is needed.

Who performs the test?

The Nuclear Bone Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). All Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Nuclear Bone Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The actual exam time varies between 10-20 minutes once you have returned for your imaging, depending on the amount of images obtained.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What to do before your exam?

There is no preparation for the Nuclear Bone Scan.

What happens during your exam?

There will be an intravenous injection. After the injection, you will return 3 hours later for the delay scan. You will be asked to drink several glasses of liquid over the 3 hours prior to return. Please bring any recent X-rays with you (if performed at another facility) the day of the scan. You will be asked to empty your bladder before the test begins.

You will then be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.

You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that slowly scans the affected part of your body.

What to do after your exam?

Cardiac Stress Tests

What is a Cardiac Stress Test and what does it do?

There are 4 types of Cardiac studies performed at Jackson Hospital:

Regular Treadmill Stress Test (No Isotope)

Basic chest pain evaluation.
Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with exercise.
Basic evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart

Nuclear Medicine Treadmill Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)

Chest pain evaluation with Nuclear Medicine imaging.
Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with exercise.
Evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart.

Nuclear Medicine Lexiscan™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)

Chest pain evaluation with Nuclear Medicine imaging.
Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with a vasodilator (If you are unable to walk on the treadmill).
Evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart.

Nuclear Medicine Dobutamine™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)

Chest pain evaluation with Nuclear Medicine imaging.
Evaluation of EKG while heart is being stressed with Dobutamine (If you are unable to walk on the treadmill).
Evaluation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the heart.

Who performs the test?

This procedure will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and the ordering physician. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). All Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

This procedure will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

Regular Treadmill Stress Test (No Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour.
Nuclear Medicine Treadmill Stress Test (w/Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour on day 1 and 2 hours on day 2).
Nuclear Medicine Lexiscan™ Stress Test (w/Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour on day 1 and 2 hours on day 2).
Nuclear Medicine Dobutamine™ Stress Test (w/Isotope) takes approximately 1 hour on day 1 and 2 hours on day 2).

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing.
Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight, the day before your exam. No products with caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, etc.) for 24 hours before the test.
Certain medications must not be taken 48 hours prior to your exam, please consult your physician’s office for a detailed list of medications.
Bring all of your medications with you to your appointment.

What to do before your exam?

Make sure you have not had anything to eat or drink 4 hours before the exam.
Certain medications must not be taken 48 hours prior to your exam, please consult your physician’s office for a detailed list of medications.
Bring all of your medications with you to your appointment.

What happens during your exam?

Regular Treadmill Stress Test (No Isotope)

When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
In order for the heart to be exercised, the patient will walk on the treadmill for a varying amount of time based on the physician’s preference. In most cases an adequate test will be achieved when the heart rate reaches 85% of the maximum predicted based on your age.
To calculate the maximum heart rate for your age, take 220, minus (-) your age. Your target rate will be 85% of this number.

Nuclear Medicine Treadmill Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)

Day 1

When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
You will then be given an intravenous injection of a radioisotope in order to image the blood flow to your heart.
After the isotope circulates for 30-60 minutes a scan will be performed which takes approximately 20 minutes. (Resting Images).

Day 2

When you arrive for day 2, an intravenous line will be placed.
10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
In order for the heart to be exercised, the patient will walk on the treadmill for a varying amount of time based on the physician’s preference. In most cases, an adequate test will be achieved when the heart rate reaches 85% of the maximum predicted based on your age.
To calculate the maximum heart rate for your age, take 220, minus (-) your age. Your target rate will be 85% of this number
When an adequate heart rate is achieved, the radioisotope will be injected through your IV line.
After a period of recovery time, imaging will take place again in Nuclear Medicine. (Stress Images).

Nuclear Medicine Lexiscan™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)
Day 1

When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
You will then be given an intravenous injection of a radioisotope in order to image the blood flow to your heart.
After the isotope circulates for 30-60 minutes a scan will be performed which takes approximately 20 minutes. (Resting Images).

Day 2

When you arrive for day 2, an intravenous line will be placed.
10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
If you are unable to exercise on the treadmill, a Lexiscan™ stress test is performed.
At the start of the test, Lexiscan™, a type of medication that dilates the blood vessels in your body is injected over a period of 20 seconds. Immediately after, the radioisotope is injected for imaging the heart.
After a period of recovery time, imaging will take place again in Nuclear Medicine. (Stress Images).

Nuclear Medicine Dobutamine™ Stress Test (w/Isotope)
(Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing with Imaging is a 2-Day Process)

Day 1

When you arrive you will be asked a series of questions related to your medical history and medications.
You will then be given an intravenous injection of a radioisotope in order to image the blood flow to your heart.
After the isotope circulates for 30-60 minutes a scan will be preformed which takes approximately 20 minutes. (Resting Images).

Day 2

When you arrive for day 2, an intravenous line will be placed.
10 EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest; if necessary your chest may have to be shaved in places. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a baseline EKG and blood pressure will be taken.
The ordering physician will be notified and upon his or her arrival the test will begin.
If you are unable to exercise on the treadmill, a Dobutamine™ stress test is performed.
At the start of the test, Dobutamine™, a type of medication that slowly increases your heart rate is infused via an IV pump. Once your heart rate has reached the appropriate rate for your age, the radioisotope is injected for imaging the heart.
After a period of recovery time, imaging will take place again in Nuclear Medicine. (Stress Images).

What to do after your exam?

Your IV line will be removed. Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist/Cardiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when transcription is complete.

Gastric Emptying Scans

What is a Gastric Emptying Study and what does it do?

Assists in the determination of delayed gastric emptying with quantitation of gastric emptying rate and evaluation of mechanical obstruction.
Evaluates anatomic obstruction (pyloric, post-surgical, post radiotherapy), nausea, vomiting, early satiety, upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, and/or chronic aspiration.
Evaluation of weight loss, and of gastric therapy, e.g., Reglan®.

Who performs the test?

This procedure will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

This procedure will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam is 2 hours.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
Do not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before your exam.
Bring a copy of your physician’s order with you to your appointment.
Consult your physician for a list of medications to stop taking before your exam.

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
Do not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before your exam.
Consult your physician for a list of medications to stop taking before your exam.

What happens during your exam?

You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.
The Nuclear Medicine department will prepare 1 scrambled egg for you to eat. The egg will be mixed with a radioisotope which has no taste or smell. (If you cannot eat eggs please notify the technologist so a substitute can be arranged).
After you eat the eggs, you will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your stomach to determine the rate at which your stomach is emptying.

What to do after your exam?

Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan

What is a Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan and what does it do?

This scan detects and localizes bleeding sites in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding. This usually presents as low red blood cell counts in labs and/or blood in stool.

This study is indicated for detection and localization of secondary blood loss as in blood pooling in peritoneal cavity or ruptured arterial venous supplies as well as actively bleeding sites, for patients with portal hypertension (caused by obstruction of blood flow through the liver, and hypertension to abdominal collateral vessels).

Who performs the test?

The Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The time for the entire test is approximately 2 hours.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What happens during your exam?

When you arrive at your appointment an intravenous line (IV) will be started.
Blood will be drawn from this IV line and tagged with a radioisotope. This tagging process takes 30 minutes.

Once the blood has been tagged, it is then injected back into the IV line.
Imaging will be performed for approximately 60 minutes in the Nuclear Medicine department.

What to do after your exam?

Your IV line will be removed. Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when the Radiologist’s report is complete.

Hepatobiliary Scans

What is a Hepatobiliary Scan and what does it do?

There are 3 types of Hepatobiliary Scans:

Regular Hepatobiliary Scan:

Evaluation of abdominal (especially right upper quadrant) pain.
Differentiate between acute or chronic cholecystitis.
Suspected bile leaks or biliary obstruction.

Stimulated Hepatobiliary Scan:

A regular hepatobiliary Scan is performed first, then a stimulating agent/medicine (PO (Ensure) or IV medicine called CCK (Cholecystokinin) according to Physician Order) is administered in order to determine the gallbladder function (e.g., stasis allowing “sludge” to accumulate) which is referenced by a numeric value (ejection fraction).
CCK WILL NOT BE ADMINISTERED IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED POSITIVE FOR GALLSTONES, ARE PREGNANT, OR HAVE HAD GALLBLADDER REMOVED.

Who performs the test?

This procedure will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). All Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

This procedure will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam varies between 1-3 hours depending on how the gallbladder is functioning.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
Do not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before your exam.
Do not take any pain medications 6 hours before your exam.
Bring a copy of your ultrasound report to your appointment (if performed at another facility).

What to do before your exam?

Make sure you have not had anything to eat or drink 6 hours before the exam.
Do not take any of your pain medications 6 hours before your exam.

What happens during your exam?

Hepatobiliary Scan:

You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.
There will be an intravenous injection before the scan is started.
You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your liver and gallbladder.

Stimulated Hepatobiliary Scan:

You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.
There will be an intravenous line started before the scan. The tracer agent will then be injected through this line.
You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your liver and gallbladder.
After the appropriate amount of time, usually 1-2 hours, another medicine will be infused into your IV line over 30 minutes. This will cause your gallbladder to “stimulate” and the function can be measured.

What to do after your exam?

Your IV line will be removed.
Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when the Radiologist’s transcription is complete.

Liver/Spleen Scan

What is a Liver/Spleen Scan and what does it do?

This study is for the assessment of anatomy, size, and relative position of liver and spleen, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, splenic infarcts, accessory spleen or splenosis, or situs inversus.

Assessment of chronic liver or spleen disease including primary liver tumors and metastasis, jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatocellular disease, hepatitis, hepatic abscess, reticuloendothelial system function, or elevated blood work results as well as detection and assessment of hepatic or splenic trauma are indications.

Who performs the test?

The Nuclear Liver/Spleen Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Liver/Spleen Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam varies between 20-30 minutes.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What happens during your exam?

You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.

There will be an intravenous injection before the scan is started.

You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your liver and spleen.

What to do after your exam?

Lung Ventilation/Perfusion Scan

What is a Lung Ventilation/Perfusion Scan and what does it do?

This scan will evaluate for pulmonary embolism (PE), the main cause being deep vein thromboses (DVT’s), clots from recent surgery, or trauma.

Test also indicated for evaluation of pulmonary perfusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, low blood oxygen saturation, evaluation and management of carcinoma of the bronchus, evaluation of perfusion affected by emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, inflammatory disease, and cardiac disease.

Who performs the test?

The Nuclear Lung Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Nuclear Lung Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam varies between 45-60 minutes.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
A current chest x-ray is required the same day of the lung scan and requires a physician’s order.

What happens during your exam?

You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects.
You will then be asked to lie on the imaging table and breathe an aerosol vapor from a nebulizer for 5 minutes. The aerosol has no taste or smell. There will be a detector that scans your lungs from several angles.
You will then be injected, through an IV, with a small amount of radioisotope. This will allow the blood flow to the lungs to be visualized.
Several additional images will be taken after this injection.
A comparison is made between the 1st portion (ventilation) and the 2nd portion (perfusion) to see if there are any defects or mismatches noted.

What to do after your exam?

Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. Occasionally, you will be required to wait in the waiting room until a preliminary report is complete and called to your physician. The written results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when the radiologist’s report is complete.

Lymphoscintigraphy

What is a Lymphoscintigraphy Scan and what does it do?

Helps to determine presence of metastatic invasion to the lymph nodes.
Localizes the sentinel nodes to which the cancer may drain.

Who performs the test?

The Lymphoscintigraphy Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Lymphoscintigraphy Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how fast the radiotracer distributes in the body.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
Coordinate your visit with the surgery department as this scan must be done just prior to surgery.

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
Coordinate your visit with the surgery department as this scan must be done just prior to surgery.

What happens during your exam?

You will arrive at the hospital and be escorted to the surgery department. There you will be prepped for your upcoming procedure.

After the surgery department has completed your initial consultation you will then go to Radiology for your Lymphoscintigraphy.

The radiologist will make 4 small injections near the tumor site.
You will be instructed to massage the area for about 5 minutes to help the radiotracer distribute in the system.

You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans the area from several different angles.

What to do after your exam?

Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the surgeon to assist in the procedure of locating and removing the lymph nodes.

Meckels Scan

What is a Scan and what does it do?

A Meckles study is used in the localization of a Meckles diverticulum with functioning gastric mucosa.

Who performs the test?

The Nuclear Meckles Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.

Where does it take place?

The Nuclear Meckles Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.

How long does it take?

The total time of the exam is 60 minutes.

What you can do to make it a success?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What to do before your exam?

Wear comfortable clothing.
Remove any metallic objects before your scan.

What happens during your exam?

You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metallic objects from your person.

There will be an intravenous injection before the scan is started.
You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your abdomen.