Nuclear Medicine

Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI) is the only facility in the Lincoln area to offer DaTscan™, a new test that helps physicians determine if a patient may have a parkinsonian syndrome (PS), the most well-known syndrome of those being Parkinson’s Disease (PD). DaTscan™ is a radiopharmaceutical that is administered prior to a SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) scan to help a radiologist see whether or not there is degeneration of dopamine transporters in the brain. Studying this degeneration, along with a patient’s changes in functioning helps physicians to determine if a patient’s symptoms may be related to a PS or rather an essential tremor (ET). Patients interested in finding out if this test could give them the answers they are looking for should ask their neurologist or primary care provider if a DatScan™ at AMI is right for them.

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This is a study that looks for stress fractures, loosening of prosthesis, bone infection, or spread of cancer to the bones. An injection is given into the vein of an arm, and pictures are obtained 3 hours later. The scan takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. There is no special prep for the test, but the patient is instructed to drink plenty of fluids during the 3 hour break.

This is a gallbladder study, sometimes referred to as a HIDA or PIPIPDA scan. This study looks at the function of the gallbladder and is sometimes performed after an ultrasound report shows normal anatomy. This study involves two different injections given through an IV. The first is the radioactive tracer for imaging and the second is an agent that stimulates the gallbladder to contract. The total scan time varies between 1.5 to 2 hours. Patients should not have anything to eat or drink at least 8 hours prior to the study.

This is a study that looks at the blood flow and function of both kidneys. An injection is given into the vein of the arm and pictures take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. There is no required preparation, although it’s best if patients are well hydrated.

This is a study that looks at both the air flow and blood flow to the lungs, evaluating shortness of breath, the lungs prior to lung reduction surgery or looking for a pulmonary embolism (clot) in the lungs. It involves both inhaling a radioactive tracer and an injection into the vein of an arm. The pictures take approximately 1 hour. There is no special preparation.

This is a study that looks at the function of the thyroid. It is used to evaluate patients with abnormal thyroid lab values and/or symptoms of thyroid disorder. A radioactive capsule is given to the patient and the patient returns 4 hours later for a quick check, and then again 24 hours later for 1 hour of imaging. Patients should not have anything to eat at least 4 hours before taking the capsule and for 1 hour after. Patients should be off of any thyroid medications at least 3-4 weeks prior to the study. A serum pregnancy test is required for this test on all females within childbearing age, unless proof of hysterectomy or tubal ligation is present.

This is a therapeutic study involving a dose of radioactive iodine designed to destroy abnormal thyroid tissue. Both your doctor and our radiologist will review your thyroid condition to make the best determination in the amount of therapy required. Patients receiving a higher dose (thyroid cancer patients) will be given specific instructions to follow for 3-4 days after the ablation. They will be consulted by a radiation physicist and our radiologist prior to receiving the capsule. Patients with hyperthyroidism will have a few minor restrictions and will be consulted by our radiologist. Patients should not have anything to eat at least 4 hours before the test and for 1 hour after the test. Patients should be off of any thyroid medication at least 3-4 weeks, and a serum pregnancy test is required for all females within childbearing age unless proof of hysterectomy or tubal ligation is present.

This is a study done to evaluate the presence of thyroid tissue in patients that have undergone a thyroidectomy due to carcinoma of the thyroid gland. A radioactive capsule (non therapeutic, diagnostic only) is given and the patient returns 2 days later for the scan. The scan takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Patients should not have anything to eat 4 hours prior to the capsule and for 1 hour afterward. Confirmation by lab work that TSH is greater than 35 is required, as patients should be off of their thyroid replacement long enough to achieve this. A serum pregnancy test is required for all women within childbearing age unless proof of hysterectomy or tubal ligation is present.