General information
A doctor has requested that we take some pictures of your lungs.
If the appointment clashes with another outpatient appointment or test, 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.
What does the test involve?
Part 1
The test is in two parts. The first part will involve breathing in a radioactive mist (see photos). This allows us to look at the air supply to the lungs. After inhaling the mist, a number of pictures of the lungs will be taken with a Gamma Camera (see photos).
Part 2
The second part of the test involves giving a small injection of a radioactive tracer into one of the veins in your hands or arms. It is very similar to having a blood sample taken. This allows us to look at the blood flow in the lungs. Once the injection is given further pictures will be taken.
If you have not recently had a chest X-ray, we may also need this to be performed during your visit. Once all the pictures have been taken, you will be free to leave.
There should be no ill effects from the injection or the radioactive mist.
Preparation
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you must inform the department as quickly as possible as special arrangements may have to be made.
Please bring with you a list of any medication that you are taking (your repeat prescription sheet if possible). If you are asthmatic please bring your inhaler with you when you come to the department.
There is no special preparation required for this test. Please eat and drink as normal.
After the test
For the rest of the day, you must take extra care to wash your hands thoroughly after toilet use, sit down when you use the toilet and to flush the toilet twice. You must also continue to drink extra fluids and empty your bladder frequently. This will improve the clearance of the radiation from your body.
When the test is completed, the images will be reviewed and a report will be available to the doctor who has requested the test.
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.
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Lincoln County Hospital 01522 573103
Grantham Hospital 01476 464777