Our Nuclear Medicine department performs a variety of imaging studies to assist your doctor in diagnosis and treatment. Cardiac Stress Testing, Bone, Lung, Renal and Gallbladder scans are just a few of the exams we perform at the TPCA Diagnostic Imaging Center. Our professional and knowledgeable staff creates a comfortable and caring environment for patients that participate in these scans.
Your appointment may need to be confirmed by Nuclear Medicine personnel to ensure that the most appropriate procedure has been ordered. Scheduling doctors should advise if the patient has any physical disabilities. Please note table weight restriction is 350 pounds.
Hours of Operation
Nuclear Studies are generally performed generally from 7:30am-3:00pm, Monday through Friday. Call to schedule an appointment.
Prep Instructions
Bone Scans
Arrive well hydrated, by drinking 16 oz. or more of fluid. This exam will take 2-5 hours long, including immediate and delayed imaging after IV administration.
Gastric Emptying
Nothing to eat or drink four hours prior to examination. This exam can take up to 2 hours.
Hepatobiliary
Nothing to eat or drink four hours prior to examination. This exam can take up to 2 hours after IV administration.
Liver-Spleen NM Scan
This exam will take up to 1 hour after IV administration.
Lymphoscintigraphy (Sentinel Node Imaging)
There is no specific exam preparation. If your scan appointment is scheduled on the same day as surgery, please follow your surgeon’s preoperative instructions. You will receive four small injections underneath the skin, followed by a 45-60 minute scan.
Nuclear Medicine Stress Test (a Cardiovascular Service)
This exam will take 3-4 hours after IV administration. Do not consume caffeine or nicotine 24 hours prior to test. Nothing to eat or drink (with the exception of water) four hours prior to examination. Withhold medications as directed by medical staff, with specific attention to Beta-blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers. Wear shoes and clothes suitable for walking on a treadmill.
Parathyroid Scan
This exam will take up to 2 hours after IV administration.
Renal Scan
Arrive well hydrated, by drinking 16 oz. or more fluid. Please discontinue blood pressure medication 48 hours prior to exam. This exam can take 45 minutes-2 hours dependent on indication.
Thyroid Uptake and Scan
Nothing to eat or drink four hours prior to examination. The patient cannot eat any seafood or dark green vegetables 48 hours prior to examination. The Patient cannot have had a CT exam with IV contrast media and must discontinue their Thyroid medications six weeks prior to examination. Each patient will ingest a capsule for their scan and return four and twenty-four hours later for scanning.
VQ Lung Scan
You will have to have a chest x-ray with-in 24 hours of lung scan. There is no other preparations required for this exam. The exam will take 30-90 minutes. You will receive a tracer after IV administration to take pictures of your lungs. The exam may require patients to breathe in an aerosol to visualize the air flow through your lungs.
After Care Instructions
Follow up with your referring physician within 3-5 business days for routine exam results.
*Stress Test Special Instructions: If you are experiencing any trouble breathing, chest pain or feeling sick, please seek care immediately. Follow up with your referring physician within 3-5 business days for routine exam results.
