SeHCAT 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 SeHCAT 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 measure the ability of your body to absorb bile. This will help your doctor diagnose your condition and give you appropriate treatment.

Please allow approximately four 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 an endoscopy planned in the week between capsule intake and reading, please contact the department as we may have to delay your test until hereafter. If you are taking these specific medications please contact us before your test:

• COVASEVALAM
• CHOLESTYRAMINE

What does the study involve?

Radioactive Tracer Administration

At the beginning of the study we will give you a small radioactive capsule to swallow with a glass of water. You will be given a time to return for your SeHCAT scan approximately 3 hours later by the technologist administering your capsule.

Waiting Period

During the waiting period between taking the capsule and the scan, you may leave the department and you may eat and drink normally for the rest of the day. When you return for your scan 3 hours later, you MUST check-in at the main x-ray reception and NOT come directly to Nuclear Medicine until instructed to.

SeHCAT Scan

Before the SeHCAT scan you will be required to remove any items of jewellery or metal objects from your abdominal area.

You will stand about 2 metres from the gamma camera and a 4 min picture will be taken from the front and from the back.

You will then be given an appointment to return for further imaging 1 week later to determine how much of the radioactive capsule is left in your body.

Please allow 30mins for this second scan.

Please Note

It is imperative that you do not have any other bowel investigations (endoscopy, colonoscopy, barium studies etc.) during the week of your test as this will affect the results.

How long does the test take?

Your visit to the hospital could be about 4 hours if you do not leave the department, but you may leave the department if you wish to for the interim waiting period.

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 (unless they are not one of the medications mentioned previously). 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, as it may need to be rescheduled.

Contact information

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D (within main X-Ray department)
T: 020 3315 8415