General information
A doctor has asked us to take pictures of your brain using a special camera.
If the appointment clashes with another outpatient appointment, or you are unable to attend on this day, please contact this department as soon as possible. We can then reschedule the test and assign the appointment to another patient.
As the test involves small amounts of radiation, we ask that you are not accompanied by children under 18 or anyone who may be pregnant. You may bring one adult with you to the department.
If you have mobility issues, are incontinent or claustrophobic please contact the department on the number provided.
Benefit and risks of the test
Everyone receives some radiation every day from the radioactivity in the air, food we eat and even from space. The amount of radiation in a nuclear medicine test is similar to your natural exposure over one year so the risks associated with it are 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 from radiation.
Preparation
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you must inform the department as quickly as possible as special arrangements may have to be made.
If you are taking any of the medication listed below, you must contact your consultant to discuss the changes that need to be made to medication at least 2 weeks prior to the test. Several medications may interfere with the scan.
Medication list
Amfetamine
Isoflurane (Isoflurane, Aerrane)
Armodafinil
Ketamine (Ketalar)
Bupropion/Amfebutamone (Zyban)
Mazindol
Cannabidiol
Methylamfetamine
Cocaine
Methylphenidate (Ritalin,
Concerta, Equasym)
Dexmethylphenidate
Modafinil (Provigil)
Dextamfetamine (Dexedrine)
Pethidine (Pamergan)
Ephedrine
Phencyclidine
Fentanyl (Sublimaze, Actiq,
Durogesic)
Phentermine
Haloperidol
Please bring a list of any medication that you are on with you to the department (your repeat prescription sheet if possible).
What does the test involve?
There are two parts to this test.
Part 1
When you arrive in the department you will be given two tablets of potassium iodide to take. An hour later, you will receive a small injection into one of the veins in your hand or arm. The procedure is very similar to having a blood sample taken. There should be no ill effects from the injection. The injection takes 3 to 4 hours to circulate. During this time, you are free to leave the department if you wish.
Part 2
Once the injection has circulated, you will need to return to the department and will be asked to lie flat on a couch whilst the camera takes pictures (see photos below). The pictures normally take approximately 50 minutes. You will then be free to leave the department.
Radiation information
If you would like to find out more about medical radiation, please access the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/medical-radiation-uses-dose-measurements-and-safety-advice
The camera
The Gamma Camera used to take the pictures has an open design and the majority of patients complete the test without any discomfort.
Contact details
If you have any questions about any of this information please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department on 01522 573103.