Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of medical imaging. It comprises diagnostic exams that result in images of the anatomy and function in every major organ system in the body.
Generally, radiation to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard X-ray examinations.
The imaging center at EvergreenHealth's Kirkland campus has a dual head SPECT/CT gamma camera, one single head gamma camera and a thyroid probe/well counter.
We perform all general nuclear medicine studies with emphasis on:
- Orthopedic
- Gastrointestinal
- Neurological
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Oncology and therapeutic services
Preparing For Your Nuclear Medicine Exam
Locate your test below, and follow the preparation instructions.
Test: Bone Scan–Total Body
Test: Bone Scan–Limited
Test: Bone Scan–Tri-Phasic
Test: Bone SPECT
Test: Double SPECT
Test: Brain SPECT
Test: DMSA Renal Scan
Test: Gallium 76 Scan
Test: Gastric Emptying
Prep: Nothing by mouth four hours prior to the exam.
Test: GI Bleed (tagged red blood cell scan)
Test: Hida Scan
Prep: Nothing by mouth four hours prior to the exam; no narcotic pain medication for 12 hours prior to the exam.
Test: Lasix Renogram
Prep: Be well hydrated, drink plenty of water.
Test: Meckel's Scan
Test: Metastron (samarium therapy)
Test: MIBG Scan
Prep: Radiology will call you with prep instructions.
Test: Muga (cardiac blood pool)
Test: Octreotide (whole body tumor scan)
Prep: None for first day, be well hydrated for the second day–drink plenty of fluids.
Test: Parathyroid Scan (sestamibi scan)
Test: Sentinal Nodes
Test: Thyroid Uptakes
Prep: Nothing by mouth four hours prior to the exam. Patients on thyroid medications need to discontinue meds for three weeks prior to the exam. Must have no Iodine contrast injections for the past two months. Must also be at least two months from most recent CT exam.
Test: Thyroid Therapy
Prep: Nothing by mouth from midnight prior to the exam; no Iodine within the last two months
Test: Thyroid Total Body Metastatic Survey
Prep: Nothing by mouth four hours prior to exam
Test: VQ Scan (ventilation and profusion)
Test: White Cell Scan (indium scam)
