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Scan Information: Preparations and ProceduresMost Nuclear Medicine procedures are non-invasive and require little or no preparation. For information on the most commonly performed procedures please examine the table below. The Scan Request form should be completed by the referring doctor. Please phone the receptionist at the chosen SNI practice to arrange an appointment. Please inform the patient of scan time, preparation and a brief outline of the procedure. If you are unsure of the procedure please call the practice and ask to speak to the technologist or physician.All patients will be seen by the Nuclear Medicine Physician of the day. The scan films and report can usually be taken by the patient on the day of the scan. Otherwise, all routine study reports will be posted on the afternoon of the scan for delivery the next day. Urgent phone (or fax) reports can be arranged by ticking the relevant box on the consultation form. A physician will usually be available to discuss results or to notify referring doctors of findings requiring action.
Directions for Nursing and Ancillary Staff.The following information has been compiled for hospital inpatients. The information also pertains to patients attending on an outpatient basis.
Please print the instructions and Laminate the pages, or request laminated copies from your nearest SNI practice. NOTE: IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE THAT A PATIENT MAY BE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING, THE SCAN SHOULD NOT PROCEED!The Scan Request form should be completed by the referring doctor or his resident or registrar. Please phone the receptionist at the chosen SNI practice to arrange an appointment. Please inform the patient of scan time, preparation and a brief outline of the procedure. If you are unsure of the procedure please call the practice and ask to speak to the technologist or physician.All inpatients will be seen by the Nuclear Medicine Physician of the day and the scan films and report OR a fax of the report will be sent to the ward on the same or following day. A low energy diagnostic radioactive tracer is used in most nuclear medicine procedures. Special precautions are usually unnecessary for diagnostic nuclear medicine patients. Low levels of radioactive contamination may be present in the urine. If you are unsure of the risks or concerned about contamination precautions may be taken when disposing of urine and other bodily fluids.. In other words, simply follow normal infection control procedures. Gloves will protect you from potential contamination. Otherwise, no special treatment is required (unless you are notified by the SNI practice if a therapeutic procedure is carried out). The patient may also use toilet facilities normally. Breastfeeding should be stopped for up to 24 hours after the test (12 hours for the most common procedures) . The time will depend on the radiopharmaceutical used. The milk should be expressed and discarded. The mother may express some milk in the hours before the study to be kept to feed whilst she is unable to nurse, a formula may also be needed. All Inpatients must be accompanied by:- (i) The request form (ii) their Inpatient Notes (iii) relevant X-rays, test results. etc. e.g. current. CXR (<24hr) with all "Lung Scan" patients. (iv) an escort if required (Note: Patients. requiring any nursing care must have an escort). For some of the procedures the patient may return to the ward between the first and second parts .Scan Information LeafletsAvailable from all practices, please call to have some sent out to you.
For further information call your nearest SNI practice. Many other procedures are available. Please request information about any scan not listed above when booking.
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OTHER INFORMATION 
