Nuclear medicine scans
Nuclear medicine scans use tiny amounts of radioactive materials (isotopes)
to take images of various parts of the body. We may give your child this isotope
by injection, by mouth or into the bladder. We may also have to insert a small
catheter into your child's bladder, depending on the type of scan. Your child
may experience discomfort. A special camera and computer make images of the area
of the body that the doctor needs to see.
The machine is collecting signals given off by the isotopes in the body. Most
isotopes are not active in the body after about six hours and are normally
excreted via the kidneys or through stool. Most isotopes are gone from your
child's system within three and a half days.
Most of the exams take between an hour and two hours (depending on the
procedure) . If your child is unable to remain still for that amount of time,
then sedation may be needed. If your
child needs sedation, a short-acting sedative will be given intravenously and is
mild enough that your child can be easily aroused. If your child requires
sedation, our medical imaging nurses will contact you ahead of time by phone
with instructions.
Plan to be in the Nuclear Medicine for as long as three hours. Many of these
exams require several pictures to be taken at different times.
We also offer PET/CT services on
Fridays at our Westchester
location. A PET, (Positron Emission Tomography) is a more recent variation of
nuclear medicine which uses a gamma-generating glucose compound to most
typically evaluate the staging of metastatic disease. PET imaging is usually
combined with CT to produce fused diagnostic images combining the anatomical
accuracy of CT with the physiological strengths of nuclear medicine.
Nuclear medicide is safe. There are decades of experience in the
administration of diagnostic doses of radionuclides to children. The first
general nuclear procedures were performed just after World War II. Nuclear
medicine has been a specialty at Children's Memorial Hospital since the 1950's
with the hospital's radiologists having pioneered procedures that today are
commonplace in pediatric nuclear settings throughout the world. Our radiologist
staff, who are all certified by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, has
developed a dosing regimen that keeps the dose to be administered to your child
at the absolute minimum necessary to obtain the required diagnostic results.
Preparation
-
Sedation:
Nuclear Medicine exams require that your child remain completely still while
images are being acquired. This is especially important during whole body
studies such as bone scans. Generally children 5 years and under, many with
special needs and children who experience severe pain while lying prone, are
candidates for sedation. Please consult your physician to discuss the
possibility of sedation if your child meets these criteria. If your child
requires sedation, the nurses will contact you by phone and ask that you
arrive an hour and a half before the appointment.
Helpful Hints
- You should arrive at the check-in desk at least 15 minutes prior to your
child's scheduled exam time. Late arrivals may be asked to reschedule.
-
Your child should
dress comfortably in warm-up pants and top, or any clothing without metal
(zippers, snaps, etc.), if possible.
- NPO (‘Nil Per Os' – is ‘nothing by mouth'): Certain exams require that
your child refrain from eating or drinking prior to the exam. This time period
can vary by exam. Some typical NPO durations follow:
Gastric Emptying:
– Under 6 months of age: 4 hours
— Over 6 months of age: 6 hours
Hepatobiliary Exam: 4 hours
Meckels's: 4 hours
- MIBG Adrenal Scan : If your child is scheduled for an
I-123 MIBG Adrenal scan, it is important that they receive SSKI (aka Lugols)
drops prior to receiving their dose. This is a prescription item which can be
obtained at the CMH out-patient pharmacy or at many area pharmacies with
advance notice. Your ordering physician and/or their nurse practitioner can
provide further details and prescription scripts.
- Your child should dress comfortably in warm-up pants and top, or any
clothing without metal (zippers, snaps, etc.), if possible.
- If possible, bring a favorite cassette for your child to listen to on our
audio system during the exam. Bring a familiar object, such as a blanket,
favorite toy or bottle for younger children, to help calm your child.
- The nuclear medicine cameras have the ability to play DVDs for your
child's enjoyment and distraction during the exam. A wide selection of age
appropriate DVDs are available for your selection. You may also bring a
favorite DVD from your home library.
- A stroller and car seat are helpful when taking younger children home if
they have been sedated.
- If possible, bring another adult to watch your child on the way home if
the child has been sedated.
- One parent may accompany the child into the exam room. Arrangements should
be made for other siblings.
Learn more here about people you
will meet in Medical Imaging.