If your doctor has ordered a nuclear medicine test, you might be wondering what to expect. Will it hurt? How long will it take? What do I need to do to prepare?
At Ray County Hospital and Healthcare, we believe that informed patients are comfortable patients. That’s why we’re walking you through the entire nuclear medicine experience—from the moment your doctor places the order to when you receive your results.
Before Your Appointment: The Scheduling Process
When your healthcare provider determines that a nuclear medicine procedure would be helpful for your diagnosis or treatment, they’ll fax the order to our Scheduling department. A Benefits Specialist reviews the order, and then Scheduling calls you with available appointment times, a brief description of the test, and any preparation instructions you’ll need to follow.
Call Scheduling at 816-470-5432, Ext. 121 if you need to reschedule or have questions before your appointment.
Preparing for Your Test
Preparation varies depending on the type of nuclear medicine procedure you’re having. Some tests require fasting, while others have no dietary restrictions. Our Scheduling team will give you specific instructions when they call to book your appointment. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and plan to arrive about 10 minutes early.
Meeting Your Nuclear Medicine Technologist
When you arrive, Michaelle Warner or Jon Thoreson, our Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologists(CNMT), will greet you and explain your procedure. This is the perfect time to ask questions.
“I realize some people may be nervous about having a test,” Michaelle says. “So I take my time to explain the procedure and what to expect. I do my best to make sure patients are as comfortable as possible.”
The Nuclear Medicine Procedure
Step 1: Introduction of the Radioactive Tracer
Most nuclear medicine tests begin with introducing a radioactive tracer into your body. There are several possible methods:
Injection (Most Common):
- A small IV is started, usually in your arm
- You’ll feel a slight pinprick, similar to a routine blood draw
- The tracer is injected through the IV
- The IV might be removed immediately or left in place, depending on the test
Other Methods:
- Capsule: Some thyroid tests use an oral capsule that you swallow
- Ingestion: A gastric emptying test requires consuming a radioactive meal (don’t worry, it’s tasteless and odorless)
- Inhalation: Some lung scans use inhaled tracers
The amount of tracer used is carefully calculated for your specific test and body size. The dose is designed to provide clear images while minimizing radiation exposure.
Step 2: The Waiting Period
After receiving the tracer, you’ll need to wait for it to travel to the target area of your body. This waiting period varies significantly:
- Immediate imaging: Some tests (like bone scans) include immediate images followed by delayed images
- Short wait (1-2 hours): Common for many cardiac and GI studies
- Extended wait (2-4 hours): Some procedures require more time for the tracer to concentrate
- Next-day imaging: A few specialized tests require you to return the following day
During the Wait: You can relax in our comfortable waiting area. Feel free to bring a book, phone, or tablet. You might be asked to drink water to help with imaging, and you can usually use the restroom. Our staff will check on you periodically.
Step 3: The Imaging Process
When it’s time for imaging, you’ll be guided to the imaging room.
The Imaging Table: You’ll lie on a comfortable, padded table. Depending on the test, you might lie on your back, stomach, or side. We’ll provide pillows and blankets to help you stay comfortable.
The Gamma Camera: Ray Healthcare uses a GE Infinia gamma camera—a sophisticated dual-detector system. Here’s what to know:
- The camera moves around you, but never touches you
- It’s completely painless—you won’t feel anything during the scan
- It’s quiet—unlike an MRI, there’s no loud banging
- You’ll need to stay still—movement can blur the images
- You can breathe normally—unless specifically instructed otherwise
Imaging Duration: Tests vary in length:
- Some scans take just 15-30 minutes
- Others may take 1-2 hours
- Complex studies with multiple phases can take several hours
Communication: Michaelle or Jon will be in the room with you throughout the procedure. If you feel uncomfortable, need a break, or have any concerns, let them know.
“I enjoy talking and getting to know people,” Michaelle shares. “I believe you can get a high-quality exam AND ensure the patient feels listened to and comfortable!”
Special Procedures
Some nuclear medicine tests have unique components:
Cardiac Stress Tests: These evaluate how your heart functions under stress. The procedure includes:
- Baseline images of your heart at rest
- Physical exercise (treadmill) or pharmacologic stress (medication that simulates exercise)
- Images after stress
- The entire appointment typically takes 3-4 hours
Two-Day Protocols: Certain tests require imaging on consecutive days to compare how the tracer moves through your body over time.
Gated Imaging: Some cardiac procedures coordinate imaging with your heartbeat to assess heart function. You’ll wear EKG leads during imaging.
After Your Test
Once all images are acquired, you’re free to leave. Most patients can immediately return to normal activities, including driving, working, and eating normally.
You’ll have some residual radioactivity in your body, but it decreases naturally over time through normal bodily processes. Most tracers have short half-lives and are eliminated within hours to days. The amount is very small and poses no risk to you or others.
Getting Your Results
After your test, Michaelle processes the images and sends them to a radiologist or cardiologist for interpretation. The specialist creates a detailed report describing what was seen on the images and any clinical findings.
Your ordering doctor typically receives the report within 2-3 business days. Your doctor’s office will then contact you to share the results, explain what they mean, and discuss next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the injection hurt?
A: The IV placement feels like a small pinprick—similar to any blood draw. Once the tracer is injected, most people don’t feel anything unusual.
Q: Can I eat before my test?
A: It depends on the specific test. Follow the preparation instructions provided by Scheduling. Some tests require fasting, while others have no dietary restrictions.
Q: Is the radiation dangerous?
A: The radiation dose is carefully controlled and is comparable to other common diagnostic tests. The benefit of accurate diagnosis far outweighs the minimal risk. Our Radiation Safety Officer ensures all procedures meet strict safety standards.
Q: How long will I be at the hospital?
A: This varies widely depending on your test—anywhere from 1 hour to 4+ hours. Scheduling will give you an estimated timeframe when you book your appointment.
Q: Can someone come with me?
A: Yes! You’re welcome to bring a family member or friend for support. They can wait with you and ask questions about the test.
Q: What if I’m claustrophobic?
A: Unlike MRI machines, nuclear medicine cameras are open and don’t enclose you. Most claustrophobic patients have no difficulty with nuclear medicine procedures. Let us know about your concerns, and we’ll do everything we can to help you feel comfortable.
Q: Will I be radioactive after the test?
A: You’ll have some residual radioactivity, but it’s minimal and decreases quickly. You can safely be around other people, including children, without any special precautions in most cases.
Q: Can I have more than one nuclear medicine test?
A: Yes, if medically necessary. Your doctor and our team work together to ensure appropriate timing between procedures.
Ready to Schedule or Have Questions?
If your doctor has ordered a nuclear medicine test and you haven’t yet scheduled, or if you have questions about an upcoming appointment, we’re here to help.
Contact Scheduling:
Phone: 816-470-5432, Ext. 121
Monday-Friday during business hours
Nuclear Medicine Services Available:
Monday-Friday
Both outpatient and inpatient procedures
Visit Us Online:
rayhealthcare.org
At Ray County Hospital and Healthcare, we’re committed to providing exceptional nuclear medicine services in a welcoming, stress-free environment. Our experienced team ensures you receive accurate diagnostic imaging with compassionate care—because you’re not just a patient, you’re our neighbor.
Next, we’ll dive into specific nuclear medicine procedures, starting with cardiac imaging and stress tests. Stay tuned!