What is a radionuclide scan?
Radionuclide scanning is a diagnostic procedure where a combination of radionuclides and radioactive substances is introduced into the body to create images of specific organs or tissues. Radionuclide chemicals, known as a hitchhiker, are used to generate gamma rays that are read in the same way as an X -ray. Scanning of radionuclide, considered a safe procedure, carries some risks that should be discussed with the healthcare provider before testing.
Radionuclide scanning is commonly used to assess areas such as gallbladder, kidneys, lungs and bones. The type of hitchhiker depends on the type of testing to be performed, because different hitchhikes tend to accumulate in specific parts of the body. The traces used include cobalt, Thallium and Technetium. Because only a small amount of radioactive material is used and is quickly eliminated by urination, its introduction into the body is considered safe. The lines were injected directly into the vein, but depending on the type of testu can also be inhaled or consumed. Once the chemical is given, the targeted area will give gamma rays that are visible using a special camera known as a scintillation or gamma camera. The most active cells absorb more material and radiate gamma rays with high intensity to make the area more visible.
During the radionuclide scanning, the patient is able to remain fully dressed and lie still on the table because the camera takes a number of pictures. Pictures registered by the camera are converted to signals that are interpreted by a computer to formulate a digital image of a targeted area. The different intensity of gamma beams coming from the scanned area are coded with color, with the most intense areas characterized by red tones and the least intense labeled lighter or blue tunnels. The duration of the testing process and the number of pictures taken depends on the SKEthe area. If multiple images are needed, the testing process may take several hours.
Computer tomography with one photonone (SPECT) is a variation of radionuclide scanning, which uses electrically charged particles rather than X-rays to generate 3-D smagn. During the test process, a number of pictures from the body are taken from multiple angles, each of which represents a different part. The accumulation of images is used to create multidimensional pictures of the body, allowing more accurate analysis. The SPECT testing process usually takes less than two hours.
The patient may be instructed to keep food or drinks before radionuclide scan. The hitchhiking material can be administered up to four hours before testing to allow the material to be achieved by the designated area. The complications associated with radionukens are rare, but may occur. Women who are or think they may be pregnant should inform their doctor before testing. Allergic reactions are possibleOverdose can occur on the material of the trace material and depending on the quantity.