Nuclear medicine examinations, such as PET/CT and scintigraphy, allow for a very precise assessment of organ and tissue functions. To obtain the most accurate results, appropriate preparation for the procedure is necessary. This preparation depends on the type of examination being performed and the clinical condition of the patient.
Below you will find detailed information on how to prepare for each type of examination.
PET/CT – Examination Preparation
Remain fasting for 5 hours before the examination. Only non-carbonated water is allowed. On the day before the examination, do not consume caffeinated, sweetened, or carbonated drinks, and avoid physical exertion. The patient should take all regular medications unless advised otherwise by a doctor. Reserve 3–5 hours for the examination. All metal objects must be removed during the examination.
After the examination, avoid contact with children and pregnant women for 6 hours. The result is provided to the attending physician within 7 working days.
Bone Scintigraphy
The examination visualises disease processes associated with increased bone tissue metabolism (tumours, cancer metastases, inflammations, degenerative changes, fractures). It requires intravenous administration of a radioactive isotope, which binds to the bones and enables imaging of changes.
Preparation: have a light meal and take daily medications. Bring 1–1.5 litres of non-carbonated water.
After the administration of the radiopharmaceutical, drink the brought fluids within 30–60 minutes and urinate frequently. The entire procedure lasts about 3 hours.
Recommendations after the examination: avoid contact with children and pregnant women for 24 hours, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain personal hygiene.
Thyroid Scintigraphy and Iodine Uptake
The examination allows for visualisation of the thyroid and assessment of its functional disorders. The patient is given an oral capsule with the iodine isotope I-131.
Preparation: discontinue iodine uptake blocking medications as per doctor's instructions. On the day of the examination, remain fasting after taking morning medications. A meal can be consumed one hour after isotope administration.
The examination is not performed on pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Recommendations after the examination: avoid contact with children and pregnant women for 48 hours, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain hygiene.
Whole Body Scintigraphy with Radioactive Iodine
The examination is performed on patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It aims to assess the remnants of the gland and identify any metastatic changes.
Preparation: low-iodine diet for a month before the examination, discontinuation of iodine-containing medications, remain fasting on the day of the examination. A meal can be consumed one hour after capsule administration.
Examination: neck after 24h, whole body after 48h. Each procedure lasts 15–20 minutes.
Recommendations after the examination: as above – avoid contact with children and pregnant women for 48h, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain hygiene.
Other Scintigraphic Examinations – Preparation
Gastrointestinal Scintigraphy: remain fasting, after bowel movement. Isotope administered intravenously or orally.
Lymphoscintigraphy and Sentinel Node: no special preparation. Isotope administered subcutaneously.
Cardiac Scintigraphy: two-day, outpatient examination. Remain fasting. Discontinue medications as per doctor's instructions.
Receptor Scintigraphy: remain fasting, after bowel movement. Isotope administered intravenously.
Renal Scintigraphy: after breakfast. Bring 0.5 litres of non-carbonated fluid. Isotope administered intravenously.
Recommendations after isotope administration: limit contact with children and pregnant women for 24 hours, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain personal and environmental hygiene.