Radiology - Lymphangiogram Scan

Please read this leaflet carefully in conjunction with your appointment letter.

Why do I need this scan?

Your doctor has asked us to perform a scan to look at your lymphatic system. It is usually done to detect problems with the flow or drainage of lymph fluids in your body. You can choose to refuse this test, but we strongly recommend that you discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.

Preparation for your scan

• Please confirm your appointment by leaving a message on our 24-hour answer phone 0161 206 2405. Calls will only be returned if requested
• No special preparation for your scan; however, you should drink plenty for 24 hours both before and after your scan
• If you are taking any medication, you should continue as normal

How is the scan performed?

This test will take about 4 hours to complete.

When you arrive in the department you will be asked to lie down on the imaging bed for the injection.

You may be required to remove your shoes and socks as the injections will be given into either the feet or hands.
 
If the feet are used, you will have two injections, one into the skin between your toes on each foot. The injections may be painful / uncomfortable, so it is recommended that you wear comfortable footwear. Both injections contain a small amount of radioactive tracer that will allow us to see how well your lymph fluids are draining.

If the hands are used, you will have two injections, one into the skin between your fingers on each hand. The injections may be painful/uncomfortable. Both injections contain a small amount of radioactive tracer that will allow us to see how well your lymph fluids are draining.

For the scan you will lie on an imaging table with your arms down by your side, while a special camera, called a gamma camera, performs the scan. Images will be taken immediately after the injections, and this first set of images will take about 30 minutes.

Usually there is no need to undress. You will need to remove jewellery, keys, or other metallic objects from your person/pockets.

More images will be taken at 1, 2 and 3 hours after the injections, these will take about 10 minutes each time.

During the waiting time between scans, you will be able to leave the department and free to eat and drink. We encourage you to walk around during this time to stimulate your lymph flow.

We will tell you what time to return.

Having the scans does not hurt, but it is important that you keep still. If you are uncomfortable, please tell us and we will try to make you as relaxed as possible.
 
There are unlikely to be any side effects from the injection; it does not make you sleepy or prevent you from driving a car.

Risks and Limitations

If you think you may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding you must contact us before the test date.

You might get a bruise around the injection site.

Side effects are not common, but some people may get a metallic taste, headache, flushing, rash or other allergic type symptoms.

You will receive a small radiation dose of about 0.05 mSv. To put this in perspective, the average radiation dose received from natural background radiation is just under 3 mSv in one year in the UK.

After the scan

After the scan, you can eat as normal and should continue to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day. This will help to remove the radioactivity from your body. The radioactivity should completely disappear within 24 hours.

Please avoid prolonged close contact with children or pregnant women for the rest of the day. This is to avoid exposing babies and children to unnecessary radiation.

What happens to the results?

A report is sent to the hospital consultant who asked us to do the test. Allow at least 2 weeks for this.

Nuclear medicine staff are not allowed to give patients the result of any tests directly.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes, but they will be asked to remain in the waiting room whilst you are being scanned.

Please, do not bring children or pregnant adults with you as there may be other patients in the department who might expose them to a small but unnecessary amount of radiation.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any questions about your examination or are unable to make the appointment, please telephone the help line on 0161 206 4861.

This is a 24-hour answer phone but is usually manned Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

If you prefer, or are not able to telephone please contact us via email at Radio.Isotopes@nca.nhs.uk

Please include your name, address, date of birth and hospital number (if known) on all correspondence.

Please help us to cut our waiting lists. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, call us as soon as you can so that we can give it to somebody else.

I need an ambulance, how do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance contact:
0161 206 7014 for Salford residents or 0800 023 2292 for other areas.
Please inform the Nuclear Medicine department if you are arriving by ambulance.

Interpreters

If you need a translator for your examination, please contact the Nuclear Medicine department.

Other sources of information

For further information regarding nuclear medicine examinations, visit the British Nuclear Medicine website:
http://www.bnms.org.uk/page/PatientsCarers
 
If you still have concerns or require further information about this test, please contact us at:
Nuclear Medicine
Department Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane
Salford M6 8HD
Telephone: 0161 206 4861