What is a Nuclear Medicine Test?
Nuclear Medicine testing involves imaging of the body by use of very small doses of radioactive material injected into the body. Your radiation exposure will be less than even a simple chest x-ray. A small quantity of radioactive isotope will be given either by injection into a vein or in some cases in pill form. Some studies require imaging immediately following this injection, other studies require time for your body to absorb the isotope. When it is time for your scan, you will lay on a special table. A special camera will be placed close to you but will not touch you. Each of our nuclear cameras has specific applications.
You will be called back to the room as soon as staff and the appropriate machine are available for your study. If other patients are called ahead of you they are most likely having studies in a different room that became available sooner than the room needed for your study. In some cases, you may be delayed for emergency procedures on other patients.

What do I do if there is a possibility that I might be pregnant?
If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please tell the technologist before the test is started.

Are any activities restricted after this procedure?
No, you may continue your normal activities unless otherwise instructed.

Do I need to make changes to my diet?
Continue your normal diet unless otherwise instructed by scheduling or your physician.

Do I need to adjust any medications?
Your medicines should not be stopped or unless your doctor tells you to.

My doctor requested that I bring my films to my next appointment, what do I do?
Saint Joseph has implemented a new imaging archiving system which allows physicians to digitally view your images in their offices. The technologist that performs your procedure will also be able to provide you with a CD (computerized disk) to take with you upon request. If you did not receive a CD from the technologist and you need a copy of your images, you can also contact the Radiology Imaging Library at 859.313.2290. If someone else is going to pick up your CD, you must call us and give us their information and they must present a picture ID.

Saint Joseph Outpatient Diagnostic Center
Saint Joseph Office Park - Bldg. C
1401 Harrodsburg Road, Ground Floor
Lexington, KY 40504

859.313.4747