Parathyroid Scan
Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioactive compound (“tracer”) which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive.
Unlike other scanning methods such as: X-rays, nuclear medicine test provides information about physiology and function.
Your doctor has requested a Parathyroid Scan for you and in this leaflet we describe what is involved.
Please read through everything very carefully.
What is this study going to show?
The purpose of this study is to obtain pictures of your parathyroid gland. This will help your doctor diagnose your condition and give you appropriate treatment.
Please allow approximately 4 hours for the study.
Is the radioactivity harmful?
Your test will involve the use of a small amount of ionising radiation (similar to a CT scan) and the risk associated with this is low. The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you. This benefit is far greater than the small risk of radiation.
Preparing for the study
No preparation is required. You may eat and drink as normal. If you have had a Thyroid scan recently, please inform the technologist performing your scan.
What does the study involve?
Radioactive Tracer Injection
At the beginning of the study we will inject a small amount of radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm. You will then wait 15 minutes before the first scan is done which takes approximately 1 hour. You will then be given a time to return for the second scan 2 hours after the initial injection by the technologist doing your scan. There are no further injections and there are no side effects or reactions to the injection.
Waiting Period
During the waiting period between the first and second scans, you may eat and drink normally and leave the department while waiting.
Parathyroid Scan
Before the first parathyroid scan, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the chest area and change into a hospital gown. You will be required to remove any items of jewellery or metal objects from around your neck and chest. You will lie on the scanning bed and pictures of your neck and chest will be taken using a gamma camera and CT scanner.
The camera will be close to your body, and you will need to stay as still as possible. Scanning can take about 1 hour. You may then change into your own clothes during the waiting period if you are leaving the department, and change into a gown again for the second scan which will also take about an hour. It is performed exactly the same as the first scan.
How long does the test take?
Your stay with us will be about 4 hours. You will have time in between to leave the department if you wish to.
Further information
Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff in the department if you have any questions.
Alternatively, you can contact the booking office on 020 3315 8415
If you are currently on any medication please continue having them. If possible please bring you list of medications with you.
Can I bring a friend with me?
Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room. Please do NOT bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).
What measures I have to take?
We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body. You may then resume a normal diet unless advised otherwise.
What happens to the study results?
A report will be sent to your consultant doctor within two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test.
Contact information
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D (within main X-Ray department)
T: 020 3315 8415