Nuclear Medicine Scan

Liver Scan for Hemangioma

Indications:

This test detects and localizes tumors and cysts in the liver.

The Procedure:

1. A Nuclear Medicine Technologist will draw a blood sample and it will be mixed with a low level radioactive material. It will then be injected into your body, either in your hand or arm. The injection is not a dye or contrast - it is a low level radioactive material and patients rarely have a reaction. If you are an inpatient we may use your existing IV or INT for the injection.
2. This scan can only be done certain times of the day. You will be required to return to the department two different times. The Technologist will tell you when to return. If you are an Inpatient we will come and get you. The scan takes 3-4 hours to complete but you will not be on the scanning table the entire time.

Inpatient and Outpatient Preparation Instructions:

1. If you are breast-feeding, pregnant, or think you are pregnant, you must inform the doctor.
2. Your stomach must be free of barium.
3. No preparation is necessary.

Note:

For your convenience we may schedule more than one test on the same day. This can be confusing because the tests may have different preparation instructions. If you are an outpatient and don’t understand the instructions please call Radiology. If you are an inpatient the nursing staff will correlate your test with the preparation.

For Your Information:

The Radiologist (x-ray doctor) will read the scan and send the results to your doctor.

Important:

There is a charge for the isotope injection that must be ordered before the scan. If it is necessary to cancel the scan, please call the Radiology department at 419-394-3335 extension 3528 as soon as possible so that we can cancel the dose.