Radiology - Parathyroid Scan

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

If you require further any information please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department – 0161 206 4861

Why do I need this scan?

Your doctor has asked us to perform a scan to look at the structure and function of your parathyroid glands. These glands are in the neck and control calcium balance. 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

• No special preparation for your scan; however, you should drink plenty for 24 hours both before and after your scan
• If you are taking Cinacalcet and/or Etelcalcetide medication you must ring us when you receive the appointment letter we might need to re-schedule your appointment
• Please confirm your appointment by leaving a message on our 24-hour answer phone 0161 206 2405. Calls will only be returned if requested

How is the scan performed?

This test will take around 3-4 hours to complete.

You will be given a small injection of a radioactive substance into a vein, usually in your arm whilst you lie on our imaging table.
This will circulate around your body and be temporarily absorbed by your thyroid and parathyroid glands. This allows us to take pictures, called a scan, immediately after the injection and again about 3 hours later. Both scans take between 15 and 30 min. You will also have a low dose CT as part of the scans. These pictures are taken with a special camera, called a gamma camera.

During the waiting time between scans, you will be able to leave the department and are free to eat and drink. We will tell you what time to return.

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

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 & 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 9 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 you can 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 – Salford residents
0800 032 3240 – 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/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