Scintigraphy
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No extra fees
CMU (French universal medical cover) & AME (French state medical aid) accepted
Payment to be made in the event of a cardiac stress test, except if 100% ALD (long-term illness) coverage is provided
Payment methods accepted:
credit/debit card, cheque, cash
What is scintigraphy?
Scintigraphy is emission imaging, i.e. the radiation comes from the patient after injection of the radiotracer (called a “radiopharmaceutical”), to study the functioning of an organ or a physio-pathological function. While radiographic imaging is transmission imaging, the beam is external and passes through the patient, to study the structure of an organ. In scintigraphy, the patient is injected with a radiotracer, i.e. the combination of a carrier molecule and a radioactive marker. The carrier molecule is chosen to selectively reflect the functioning of an organ, while the radioactive marker emits gamma radiation. This can be visualised using a gamma camera to follow the position of the molecule in the body in different positions, thereby obtaining the scintigraphy image.
What happens during scintigraphy?
What type of scintigraphy are you having?
What is a MYOCARDIAL SCINTIGRAPHY?
Cardiac scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination that studies blood flow through the heart during exercise and, if necessary, at rest, using a radioactive product injected intravenously in small quantities.
INSTRUCTIONS for this examination
• Make sure you are available for the whole day
• On the day of your examination: you can eat and drink but do not consume any stimulants: tea, coffee, etc.
• Casual dress is recommended
• If you are taking beta-blocker medication, follow the instructions given by your cardiologist
• If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale") or your social security certificate
• Your examination request letter
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
• Your medication prescription
• Your credit/debit card or cash for payment of the examination
• Your supporting documents in case of French universal medical cover (CMU), state medical aid (AME), an accident at work, etc.
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
You then go alone, without an accompanying person, to the "hot" waiting area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Full explanation of the procedure
Placement of an intravenous infusion
PERFORMANCE OF THE STRESS TEST UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A CARDIOLOGIST
Cardiac stimulation on a bicycle and/or pharmacologically
Injection of the radiotracer at a maximum stimulation level
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 20 minutes
ANALYSIS BY THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE PHYSICIAN
IF THE RESULTS ARE NORMAL
END OF EXAMINATION AND HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Total duration: 1 to 2 hours
IF IMAGES ARE TAKEN THAT MAY SUGGEST A PATHOLOGY
ADDITIONAL RESTING IMAGES ARE TAKEN IN THE AFTERNOON
END OF EXAMINATION AND HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Total duration: 5 to 6 hours
AFTER YOUR EXAMINATION
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is an isotopic ventriculography (isotopic LVEF)?
Isotopic ventriculography is a functional imaging examination that looks at how your heart contracts using a radioactive product injected intravenously in small amounts. It enables the measurement of the ejection fraction of the left ventricle.
Instructions for this examination
● Make sure you are available for 2 hours
● On the day of your examination: you can eat, drink and take your medication as normal
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your medication prescription
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
First intravenous injection in the arm
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously 30 minutes afterwards
ACQUISITION OF TRACKING IMAGES
Immediately afterwards using a gamma camera for 3 minutes
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 20 minutes
MEASUREMENT OF BLOOD PRESSURE
HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Availability of results
After they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a lung scintigraphy?
Lung scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination that studies the ventilation (airflow) and perfusion (blood flow) of both lungs. It is most often requested to diagnose or monitor a pulmonary embolism. It may also be prescribed to quantify how well your lungs are working before thoracic surgery.
The product used for the perfusion study is a radioactive preparation based on human albumin, derived from blood products, carefully screened by the manufacturing laboratory to avoid any risk of contamination.
Instructions for this examination
● Make sure you are available for 1 hour
● On the day of your examination: you can eat, drink and take your medication as normal
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
IF NECESSARY: INHALATION OF THE TRACER AND ACQUISITION OF VENTILATION IMAGES
for 15 minutes
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously in the arm while lying on the gamma camera table
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 10 minutes
HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Availability of results
After they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a MAG3 renal scintigraphy?
MAG3 renal scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination that studies the real-time function of each kidney and the flow of urine to the bladder using a radioactive product injected intravenously in small quantities.
Instructions for this examination
● Make sure you are available for 2 hours
● On the day of your examination: you can eat and take your medication as usual
● It is important to stay well hydrated by drinking at least half a litre of water in the hour before the examination
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
PLACEMENT OF AN INFUSION
intravenously in the arm
YOU RETURN TO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
15-minute hydration phase
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously with a gamma camera
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
immediately after injection for 40 minutes
HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Availability of results
Once they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a DaTSCAN brain scintigraphy?
DaTSCAN scintigraphy is a functional brain imaging examination that studies the neurons of the dopaminergic pathway in the basal ganglia of the brain, using a radioactive product injected intravenously in very small quantities. It is used to look for evidence of certain neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia.
Instructions for this examination
● Make sure you are available for 5 hours
● On the day of your examination: you can eat and take your medication as usual
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request (prescription)
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, brain CT scan, brain MRI, neurologist's or geriatrician's assessment, psychiatric assessment, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
YOU TAKE A POTASSIUM IDODIDE TABLET
orally, to prevent thyroid binding of the tracer
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously in the arm
4 HOURS LATER
You will be informed of the resumption time at that moment
ACQUISITION OF BRAIN-CENTRED SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 40 minutes
VERIFICATION OF IMAGE QUALITY BY THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE PHYSICIAN
5 minutes after the end of the examination
END OF EXAMINATION AND AVAILABILITY OF RESULTS
After analysis of the images and writing up of the report, your results will be sent directly to your neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a gastric emptying scintigraphy?
Gastric emptying scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination that quantifies the functioning of the stomach and its motricity for the ingestion of solids, using a radioactive product marked on cooked egg whites, ingested by the patient. It is used to analyse the functioning of the stomach, and to look for evidence of 0 dysfunctions (e.g. gastroparesis or dumping syndrome)
Consignes à appliquer pour cet examen
● Make sure you are available for 2 hours
● On the day of your examination: you must not eat or drink anything. You will need to bring a box of eggs (4 eggs). You can drink a little water (without sugar) and take your medication normally.
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request (examination prescription) and the box of eggs (4 eggs)
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription and preparation of the eggs by the radiology technician
INGESTION OF EGG WHITES MARKED WITH THE TRACER
orally
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES CENTRED ON THE STOMACH
in a lying position using a gamma camera, for 60 minutes (therefore needing to lie down for 1 hour)
VERIFICATION OF IMAGE QUALITY BY THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE PHYSICIAN
5 minutes after the end of the examination
END OF EXAMINATION AND AVAILABILITY OF RESULTS
After analysis of the images and writing up of the report, your results will be sent directly to your prescribing doctor.
Availability of results
Once they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a BONE SCINTIGRAPHY?
Bone scintigraphy is an imaging test that studies the functioning of the skeleton using a radioactive product injected intravenously in small quantities. It is very sensitive to bone or joint reactions that may be present in many pathologies: traumatic, rheumatic, infectious, tumorous, etc.
Instructions for this examination
● Make sure you are available for 6 hours
● On the day of your examination: you can eat, drink and take your medication as normal
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously with possible localised images immediately afterwards
2 TO 5 HOURS LATER
You will be informed of the resumption time at that moment
ACQUISITION OF WHOLE-BODY SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 15 minutes
ACQUISITION OF COMPLEMENTARY SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
if necessary, for 15 minutes coupled with a CT scan
HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Availability of results
After they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a sentinel node scintigraphy?
Sentinel node scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination that locates the first node in the lymph node chain (in the axillary region for breast cancers) to help the surgeon locate it during surgery. The existence of this node is normal, and its visualisation does not mean that it is affected. The product used for the examination is a radioactive preparation based on human albumin, derived from blood products, carefully screened by the manufacturing laboratory to avoid any risk of contamination.
Instructions for this examination
● Make sure you are available for 4 hours
● On the day of your examination: you can eat, drink and take your medication as normal
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
INJECTION OF THE TRACER BY THE DOCTOR
with micro-needles (around the areola of the breast, or around the scar if melanoma)
MASSAGE OF THE INJECTION AREA (IF BREAST EXAMINATION)
necessary for migration of the tracer, for 5 minutes
UP TO 3 HOURS LATER
You will be informed of the resumption time at that moment
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 10 minutes
HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Availability of results
After they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a thyroid scintigraphy?
Thyroid scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination for looking at the functioning of the thyroid using a radioactive product injected intravenously in small quantities. It allows the origin of certain functional (hyperthyroidism) and/or morphological (goitre, hot nodules, cold nodules) thyroid disorders to be studied. There is no risk of allergy to Iodine 123.
Instructions for this examination
● If you have received iodine in the last 2 months (CT scan with injection, surgery, use of betadine) please inform us so that we can take it into account when making the appointment
● Make sure you are available for 4 hours (iodine-123 scintigraphy) or 2 hours (technetium-99m scintigraphy)
● On the day of your examination: you can eat and drink as usual
● Discontinue your thyroid treatment according to our instructions, after consulting your endocrinologist
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your medication prescription
• Your most recent blood test including hormone analysis (T3/T4/TSH)
• Your most recent thyroid ultrasound
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously in the arm, with possible localised images immediately afterwards
2 TO 3 HOURS LATER (OR 20 MINUTES AFTER INJECTION IF TECHNETIUM-99 EXAMINATION)
You will be informed of the resumption time at that moment
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 15 minutes
HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Availability of results
Once they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a DMSA renal scintigraphy?
DMSA renal scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination that quantifies the work of each kidney and looks for possible scars from infections (pyelonephritis) using a radioactive product injected intravenously in small quantities.
Instructions for this examination
• Make sure you are available for 5 hours
• On the day of your examination: you can eat and take your medication as usual
• It is important to stay well hydrated by drinking at least half a litre of water in the hour before the examination
• If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously in the arm
4 HOURS LATER
You will be informed of the resumption time at that moment
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES
using a gamma camera for 10 minutes
HANDING OVER OF YOUR FILE
15 to 30 minutes after the end of the examination
Availability of results
After they have analysed the images and written up their report, your results will be given to you personally by the nuclear medicine physician on the same day.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
What is a salivary gland scintigraphy?
Salivary gland scintigraphy is a functional imaging examination that quantifies the work of the salivary glands (parotid and submandibular glands), using a radioactive product injected intravenously in very small quantities. It is used to look for signs of salivary gland dysfunction (which may be part of a dry syndrome or Goujerot-Sjögren syndrome, for example).
Instructions for this examination
● Make sure you are available for 1h30 minutes
● On the day of your examination: you must not eat or drink anything. You can drink a little water (without sugar) and take your medication normally..
● If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding: please let us know, as the examination may need to be postponed after medical advice
On the day of your examination do not forget
• Your French health insurance card ("carte Vitale")
• Your doctor's request letter
• Your previous examinations (scintigraphy, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.)
ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT
Welcome, medical validation and administrative formalities at the secretarial desk
YOU GO ALONE INTO THE "HOT" WAITING AREA
Unaccompanied entry into a restricted area
YOU SEE A RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Questioning in relation to your prescription
INJECTION OF THE TRACER
intravenously in the arm
ACQUISITION OF SCINTIGRAPHIC IMAGES CENTRED ON THE FACE
using a gamma camera, directly after the injection and for 30 minutes, with ingestion through a straw of pure lemon juice at the 25th minute of examination.
VERIFICATION OF IMAGE QUALITY BY THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE PHYSICIAN
5 minutes after the end of the examination
END OF EXAMINATION AND AVAILABILITY OF RESULTS
After analysis of the images and writing up of the report, your results will be sent directly to your prescribing doctor.
After your examination
The small amount of radioactive product injected does not cause any side effects. The residual radioactivity that remains after the examination is eliminated naturally and this can be accelerated by drinking. You can eat normally and may return to work or any other activity. In addition, you can remain in contact with other people, including pregnant women and young children.
Have you been prescribed a scintigraphy, but are not sure what type of examination you need?
Don't worry, our Nuclear Medicine Centres will be pleased to answer all your questions.
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