Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a section of medicine and medical imaging used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.

Compounds containing a tiny amount of radioactivity, called pharmaceuticals, are administered by injection, inhalation, or ingestion. Once in the body, radiopharmaceuticals accumulate in specific organs and disease processes and emit energy which is detected by special cameras.

Images produced by these cameras are interpreted by nuclear medicine physicians.

The procedure is available at the following locations:

• Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH)
• Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH)
• North Island Hospital Comox Valley (CVH)
• Victoria General Hospital (VGH)

Preparing for your visit

The patient will be contacted directly by the ordering physician's office, or a medical imaging booking clerk, with the necessary information. 

The exam time is between two and four hours.

*Please note that this exam time includes the time of injection, wait time, prior-to-scan and scan time. The patient may be permitted to leave after the injection and return prior to the scheduled exam time.

**Some nuclear medicine studies require multiple department visits for additional scanning.

For reference, preparation instructions have been included below:

Bone Marrow Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 45 minutes.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Bone Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide the follow up visit time.

Visit 1 will take 15 to 30 minutes for the injection (and possible images). 
Visit 2 will take 30 to 60 minutes and will be 2 to 4 hours after the injection. 

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Do not wear jewelry or clothing with metal on it as it can affect your imaging.

You may leave the hospital between visits. 

You will be asked to stay hydrated between visit 1 and visit 2.  
Dialysis Patients: Contact your Nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake.

If you have a PICC or PortaCath, call the booking office upon receipt of this letter.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Brain Cerebral Perfusion Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide the follow up visit times.
Visit 1: 45 minutes for the injection.
Visit 2: 30 minutes for the scan 30 to 120 minutes after the injection.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
We request that the patient be accompanied by a person who is able to be their care provider for the entire duration of the exam.  If the patient is unable to lie still for at least 30 minutes please contact the department in advance.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Breast Scintigraphy

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 45 minutes.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam..

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Detection

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 4 visits over 3 days. The department will provide the follow up visit times.
Visit 1: 90 minutes for lumbar puncture injection 
Visit 2: 60 minutes for the scan approximately 4 hours after the injection.
Visit 3: 60 minutes for the scan approximately 24 hours after the injection
Visit 4: 60 minutes for the scan approximately 48 hours after the injection. 

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You will receive additional instructions and appointment times for your lumbar puncture injection.

• Consult the ordering physician prior to stopping any medication. You might be asked to stop anticoagulant therapy for 7 days before the injection.
• Only stop specific medications as instructed by the doctor who ordered the test. 
• Bring a list of your current medications to your appointment.
• Do not eat after midnight. You may drink clear fluids.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Dacryocystography

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 30-45 minutes
 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.
The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Ejection Fraction

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 60 to 90 minutes

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

If you have a PICC or PortaCath, call the booking office upon receipt of this letter.
Wear a shirt that allows for easy access to your chest.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Esophageal Motility

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 30 to 90 minutes

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your appointment.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.
• Wear clothes that do not have metal snaps or buttons

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Gallium Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: Return visits vary. The department will provide the follow up visit times.
Visit 1: 15 minutes for the injection.
Visit 2: 30 to 60 minutes for each scan approximately 24 and/or 48 and/or 72 hours after the injection.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Do not wear jewelry or clothing with metal on it as it can affect your imaging.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Gastric Emptying 

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 4 hours.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Allergies:
Call the booking office if you have any food allergy or sensitivity. During this test you will be served the following:
 o  Eggs
 o  White bread
 o  Butter
 o  Strawberry Jam

Medications:
 o  The ordering physician may require you to discontinue medications several days before the test. 
 o  Only stop medications as instructed by your physician.
 o  Bring a list of your current medications to the exam.

On the day of your appointment: 
 o  Adult patients must have nothing by mouth 6 hours prior to exam.
 o  Pediatric patients, 2 – 18 years old, must have nothing by mouth 8 hours prior to exam.
 o  Infant patients, 6 months to 2 years old, must have nothing by mouth 4-6 hours prior to exam.
 o  Newborn patients, 0 months to 6 months old, must have nothing by mouth 3-4 hours prior to exam.
 o  No smoking or vaping of any products the day of your appointment.
 o  Do not use a Nicotine patch for 24 hours. 

Tube-Fed patients: 
 o  Patients on continuous tube feed should miss at least one feeding. Bring a full feed with you to the appointment. 
 o  Infant patients: Parents should bring liquid food to the exam (i.e. breastmilk, formula, tube feed). Bring at least 50 mL in a bottle. 
 o  Pediatric patients may receive additional instructions from the department for this exam. 

Diabetic patients: Diabetic medications may need adjusting prior to your exam due to fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to international destinations in the next 14 days. 
If you are (may be) pregnant or breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility. Do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 3 visits. The department will provide the follow up visit times.
Visit 1: Up to 75 minutes. 
Visit 2: Up to 30 minutes for your scan approximately 3-4 hours after your first visit. 
Visit 3: Up to 30 minutes for your scan approximately 24 hours after your first visit.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• 12 months to Adult: Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.
• 6 to 12 months: Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test.
• 2 to 6 months: Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours before the test.
• Under 2 months: Do not feed for 2 to 3 hours before the test.
• If the patient is an infant, bring a bottle with at least 50 ml of formula/milk for the exam.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.
• No smoking the day of your appointment.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Gastrointestinal Bleed Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 4 visits. The department will provide the follow up visit times
Visit 1: 15 minutes for the injection. 
Visit 2: 60 to 90 minutes scan approximately 30 to 45 minutes after the injection. 
Visit 3: Up to 30 minutes for your scan approximately 3 to 4 hours after the injection. 
Visit 4: Up to 30 minutes for your scan approximately 24 hours after the injection.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Hemangioma Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2.5 to 3 hour. The department will provide the follow up visit times
Visit 1 will take 15 minutes for the injection. 
Visit 2 will take 15 to 30 minutes and will be approximately 30 to 60 minutes after your injection.
Visit 3 will take 45 minutes for your scan and will be approximately 1 to 2 hours after Visit 2.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Hepatobiliary Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 1 to 3 hours.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test.

• Contact the doctor who ordered this test if you take morphine, contin, MS-contin, percocet or other narcotics such as codeine, Tylenol with codeine. You may be asked to stop these 4 to 12 hours prior to your appointment. Do not stop these medication unless told to.
• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your exam. Extending fasting may be detrimental to the exam so please eat a meal within 12 hours of exam.
• No Barium studies for one week prior to exam.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

If you are given morphine for this exam, you will be unable to drive for 24 hours.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Iodine Whole Body Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Visit 1 will take 15 minutes for a drink or capsule and possible blood test. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 2 will be about 48 hours after visit 1 and will take 45-75 minutes. 
Visit 3 if needed will be arranged by the radiologist before you leave visit 2 and can be 5 to 7 days after visit 2.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Contact the doctor who ordered the test if you take any medication. You may be asked to stop some medications as much as 3 months before this exam.

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test. Patients having a Thyrogen Iodine Whole Body Scan do not need to stop their medications.

• Do not have X-Ray contrast dye 3 months before the test- check with the doctor who ordered this test if you are unsure.
• Stop all supplements that contain iodine for 3 weeks before the test. Stop having seafood, kelp and sushi 3 weeks before the test. Start the low iodine diet supplied by your endocrinologist 2 weeks before the test
• Nothing to eat 4 hours before your visit 1 appointment; you may have water.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

If you have a menstrual cycle you will require a pregnancy blood test the day of your treatment; you will need to check in with the Nuclear Medicine Department 2 hours before your appointment. If you are booked at NRGH or Comox Valley, you need to get a lab requisition from your ordering doctor. A pregnancy blood test will not be required if you have had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation or no menstrual cycle for the past year.

The doctor that ordered the test will have discussed special precautions that you need to follow. 
The Nuclear Medicine department will provide detailed instructions on the day of your test. 

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Liver/Spleen Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 60 minutes

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Lung Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 30 to 60 minutes. This test may be done in two parts on 2 separate dates depending on the doctor who ordered the exam.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

 Lymph Node Scan, Breast 

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 90 minutes

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional instructions from your surgeon's office

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Lymph Node Scan, Extremities

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 3 hours.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Lymph Node Scan, Melanoma

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 90 to 120 minutes

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional instructions from your surgeon's office

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Meckel's Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 to 45 minutes.
Visit 2: 60 to 90 minutes 

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your appointment.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

MIBG Scan for Adrenals

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 3 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: Will take approximately 2 hours
Visit 2: Will be approximately 24 hours after visit 1 and takes approximately 2 hours.
Visit 3: is only upon Radiologist request and would be approximately 24 hours after visit 2.  This visit would take approximately 2 hours.

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. 
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test.

You may be asked to stop the following medications, 2 weeks prior to the test:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Anti-hypertensives Calcium channel blockers; Reserpine.
• Sympathetic-amines (commonly used in cough and cold medications).
• Cocaine and oubaine

Bring a list of your current medications with you to your appointment.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Length of exam: This is a 2 day exam.
The department will provide follow up visit times when you arrive on day 1.

Day One: Approximately 2 to 4 hours
Day Two: Approximately 2 to 4 hours

Note: Patients booked for Day 1 on a Friday, day 2 will be the following Monday.  If your day 2 falls on a STAT holiday, you will attend on the next business day.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Do not consume any caffeinated products for 24 hours before your first test. This includes all coffee (regular or decaffeinated), tea, soda, chocolate, cocoa, and over-the-counter medications with caffeine (e.g., Anacin, Fiorinal, Excedrin, Tylenol, certain cold medications). Remain off caffeine until told otherwise by a technologist.

Do not take Levitra, Viagra or Cialis for 72 hours prior to the exam.

Do not stop any medications unless directed by your ordering physician.

Bring a list of your current medications with you to your appointment.

NANAIMO HOSPITAL OR COMOX VALLEY HOSPITAL PATIENTS, DISCONTINUE YOUR NITROPATCH. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR ORDERING PHYSICIAN IF UNSURE.

• Do not wear jewelry or clothing with metal on it as it can affect your imaging.
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your appointment. You may have water.
• Each day you may be asked to eat a snack (e.g. cheese, muffins, bread with butter). You may bring food from home or purchase food within the hospital.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility. Do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Octreotide Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Length of exam:  3 or 4 visits in total (dependent on Radiologist request). The department will provide follow up visit times. 

Visit 1 will take 15 minutes for an injection. 
Visit 2 will take up to 2 hours approximately 4 hours after visit 1.
Visit 3 will take up to 2 hours approximately 24 hours after visit 1. 
Visit 4 will take up to 2 hours approximately 48 hours after visit 1. (may not be needed, depends on Radiologist request).

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test.

• You may be asked to stop your Octreotide therapy for 3 days before the injection. 
• Do not wear jewelry or clothing with metal on it as it can affect your imaging.
• Drink 1.5 litres of water for 24 hours following the injection, so that you are well hydrated.   
• Dialysis Patients: Contact your nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake. 
• Patients on fluid restrictions must contact their physician or nephrologist for fluid intake instructions.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Parathyroid Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Visit 1 will take 30 minutes for an injection and scan
Visit 2 will take 30 to 60 minutes and will be approximately 2 hours after your injection

You may leave the hospital between visit 1 and visit 2.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Parathyroid Scan for Surgery

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 20 minutes

You may receive additional instructions from the OR department

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Parotid Gland Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 60 minutes

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Contact the doctor who ordered this test if you take asthma and or antispasmatic medications.  You may be asked to stop these 2 days before your appointment.  Do not stop these medication unless told to.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Plasma GFR

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 3 to 6 hours.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your appointment.
• Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour prior to your appointment.
• Dialysis Patients: Contact your Nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake. Your hydration will be 10 mL/kg/hr 2 hours prior to your exam. Patients on fluid restrictions must contact their physician or nephrologist for fluid intake instructions.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Pyrophosphate Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 4 hours.

Visit 1 will take15 to 30 minutes for an injection.
Visit 2 will take 30 to 45 minutes and will be approximately 3 hours after your injection.
You may leave the hospital between visit 1 and 2.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Do not wear jewelry or clothing with metal on it as it can affect your imaging.
• Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to international destinations in the next 14 days.
• If you are (may be) pregnant, or  breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Renal Scan with Captopril Stimulation

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam is approximately 2 hour.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

At the discretion of your ordering physician:  

• Discontinue all diuretics 48 hours prior to exam. 
• Discontinue Enalapril 72 hours prior to exam.
• Discontinue Lisinopril 96 hours prior to exam.
• Discontinue all other ACE inhibitors 3 to 5 days prior to exam.
• Discontinue Aspirin and Aspirin containing medications 96 hours prior to exam.
• Bring a list of your current medications with you to your appointment.
• Do not eat for 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have clear fluids only.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.
• Dialysis Patients: Contact your nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake.
• Patients on fluid restrictions must contact their physician or nephrologist for fluid intake instructions.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Renal Scan without Captopril Stimulation

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam is approximately 1 hour.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

At the discretion of your ordering physician:  

• Discontinue all diuretics 48 hours prior to exam. 
• Discontinue Enalapril 72 hours prior to exam.
• Discontinue Lisinopril 96 hours prior to exam.
• Discontinue all other ACE inhibitors 3 to 5 days prior to exam.
• Discontinue Aspirin and Aspirin containing medications 96 hours prior to exam.
• Please bring a list of your medications with you to your appointment.
• Do not eat for 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have clear fluids only.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.
• Dialysis Patients: Contact your nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake.
• Patients on fluid restrictions must contact their physician or nephrologist for fluid intake instructions.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Renal Scan with Diuretic

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 2 hours

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Drink 1.5 liters of water the day before and the day of your test.
• Dialysis Patients: Contact your nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake. Hydration is 250 mL 30 to 60 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Patients on fluid restrictions must contact their physician or nephrologist for fluid intake instructions.
• Bring a list of your current medications with you to your appointment.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Renal Scan with DMSA

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 minutes
Visit 2: 45 minutes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours after visit 1

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Drink 1.5 liters of water the day before and the day of your test.
• Dialysis Patients: Contact your nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake. 
• Patients on fluid restrictions must contact their physician or nephrologist for fluid intake instructions.
• Bring a list of your current medications with you to your appointment.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Renal Scan without Diuretic

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 2 hours

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

• Drink 1.5 liters of water the day before and the day of your test.
• Dialysis Patients: Contact your nephrologist for clarification of fluid intake. Hydration is 250 mL 30 to 60 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Patients on fluid restrictions must contact their physician or nephrologist for fluid intake instructions.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

Salivagram

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 90 minutes

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

SeHCAT Bile Acid Loss

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 3 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 minutes
Visit 2: 20 minutes approximately 3 hours after visit 1
Visit 3: 20 minutes approximately 7 days after visit 2

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Shunt Patency

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 60 minutes

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Spleen Damaged RBC Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 4 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 minutes
Visit 2: 10 minutes approximately 30 minutes after visit 1
Visit 3: 10 minutes approximately 45 minutes after visit 2
Visit 4: 60 minutes approximately 60 minutes after visit 3 

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Therapy for Bone Pain

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 30 minutes.

Your oncologist will provide all the instructions for this treatment.
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Thyroid Dosimetry

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 7 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: Monday at 8:00 am for 20 minutes
Visit 2: Tuesday at 8:00 am for 15 minutes
Visit 3: Tuesday at 12:00 pm for 15 minutes
Visit 4: Wednesday at 8:00 am for 15 minutes
Visit 5: Thursday at 8:00 am for 60 minutes
Visit 6: Friday at 8:00 am for 60 minutes
Visit 7: Determined by the Radiologist

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You will receive additional appointment letters with instructions and times for your thyroid therapy ablation treatment. Follow the instructions for the Thyroid Dosimetry test; all the preparations are scheduled to begin sooner than the Thyroid Therapy-Ablation Treatment

• Stop all supplements that contain iodine including Greens+ 3 weeks before the test.
• Stop having seafood, kelp, sushi 3 weeks before the test.
• Start the low iodine diet supplied by your endocrinologist 2 weeks before the test. Learn more at Thyroid Cancer Canada 
• You may be asked to not have X-Ray contrast dye 6 months before the test- check with the doctor who ordered this test if you are unsure.
• Stop amiodarone or lithium 3 months before the test- discuss with the doctor who prescribes this medication for you.
• Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine) 4 weeks before the test. The product for this test is ordered specifically for you.  
• Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test. 
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your exam. You may drink water. 
• One hour after your exam you may drink water only.
• Two hours after your exam you may eat.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Your test may be with or without Thyrogen, your endocrinologist is responsible for ordering and arranging your thyrogen injections.

If you have a menstrual cycle you may require a pregnancy blood test the day of your treatment; you will need to check in with the Nuclear Medicine Department 2 hours before your appointment. A pregnancy test will not be required if you have had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation or no menstrual cycle for the past year.

The doctor that ordered the test will have discussed special precautions that you need to follow. The Nuclear Medicine department will provide detailed instructions on the day of your test.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 30 days.

Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Thyroid Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: up to 45 minutes.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional letters with instructions and appointment times for other thyroid tests.

• Stop all supplements that contain iodine including Greens+ 3 weeks before the test.
• Stop seafood, kelp, sushi 3 weeks before the test. 
• Do not have X-Ray contrast dye 3 months before the test.  

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test. 

• Stop amiodarone 3 months before the test- discuss with the doctor who prescribes this medication for you. 
• Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine) 3 weeks before the test.  
• Stop Propylthiouracil (PTU) and Tapazole 5 days before your test.
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have water. 
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions.

Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Thyroid Therapy Ablation

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You will receive additional appointment letters with instructions and times for your radioactive iodine therapy ablation treatment.

There are two different types of patient preparation for this procedure. Please verify with your endocrinologist which method of preparation is planned for you.

PATIENT PREPARATION METHODS:
1. THYROGEN STIMULATION: Patients receive injections of thyrogen on both the Monday and Tuesday prior to radioiodine therapy on Wednesday. Arrangements for these injections are made by your endocrinologist. PATIENTS RECEIVING THYROGEN INJECTIONS DO NOT STOP THYROID MEDICATIONS prior to treatment.
2. THYROID HORMONE WITHDRAWAL: Patients following this method are instructed to stop thyroid medications 4 weeks ahead of therapy (i.e. Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine). DO NOT STOP ANY MEDICATION UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR ENDOCRINOLOGIST
You will receive more detailed instructions at the time of your initial telephone consultation with the Nuclear Medicine Physician. An overview of preparation timeline is provided below:

4 Weeks Prior To Treatment: 
• THYROID HORMONE WITHDRAWAL PATIENTS ONLY: Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine). DO NOT STOP TAKING MEDICATIONS UNLESS DIRECTED BY YOUR ENDOCRINOLOGIST.

3 Weeks prior to Treatment:
• ALL PATIENTS: Do not consume any kelp, sushi, or any Iodine supplements, including Greens + 

2 Weeks Prior to Treatment: 
• All patients will receive an appointment for a telephone consultation with a Nuclear Medicine Physician to further discuss preparation instructions and radiation safety precautions.
• All patients will be asked to start on a low Iodine diet for two weeks prior to therapy

2 Days Prior to Treatment: 
• THYROGEN STIMULATION PATIENTS ONLY: Thyrogen injections on the Monday and Tuesday that are prearranged by your endocrinologist. 

Day of treatment:

• Do not eat or drink anything (except for water) 4 hours prior to your exam.
• Do not eat for 2 hours after you receive the treatment. Water is okay 1 hour after treatment. 
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to therapy as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to the appointment regarding any needed dose adjustments.

9 Days after treatment:

• You would have received an appointment for a post treatment iodine scan in our Nuclear Medicine department.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding precautions:

• Please inform your technologist if you are pregnant or if there is a chance of pregnancy.
• Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.
• If you have a menstrual cycle, you may require a pregnancy blood test the day of your treatment; you will need to check in with the Nuclear Medicine Department 2 hours before your appointment. 
• A pregnancy test will not be required if you have had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or no menstrual cycle for the past year.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 30 days.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne, or any scented products.

Thyroid Therapy Hyperthyroidism

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 45 to 60 minutes,

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional  letters with instructions and appointment times for other thyroid tests. 

• Stop all supplements that contain iodine including Greens+ 3 weeks before the test.
• Stop having seafood, kelp, sushi 3 weeks before the test.
• Stop having red food dye (example: drink mixes, cough syrup) iodized salt, seasoned salt, fast foods and highly processed foods 3 weeks before the treatment.
• Do not have X-Ray contrast dye 3 months before the test- check with the doctor who ordered this test if you are unsure.

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test. 

• Stop amiodarone 3 months before the test- discuss with the doctor who prescribes this medication for you.
• Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine) 3 weeks before the test. 
• Stop PTU and Tapazole 5 days before the treatment.  
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have water.
• Once the treatment is started, do not eat for 2 hours, after one hour you may drink water.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Your test may be with or without Thyrogen, your endocrinologist is responsible for ordering and arranging your thyrogen injections.

If you have a menstrual cycle you may require a pregnancy blood test the day of your treatment; you will need to check in with the Nuclear Medicine Department 2 hours before your appointment.

A pregnancy test will not be required if you have had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation or no menstrual cycle for the past year. A laboratory requisition will be provided to you when you check in.

The doctor that ordered the test will have discussed special precautions that you need to follow. 

The Nuclear Medicine department will provide detailed instructions on the day of your test.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 30 days.
Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Thyroid Uptake and Scan North/Central Island

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 to 20 minutes
Visit 2: 15 minutes approximately 24 hours after visit 1

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional letters with instructions and appointment times for other thyroid tests

• Stop all supplements that contain iodine including Greens+ 3 weeks before the test.
• Stop having seafood, kelp, sushi 3 weeks before the test. 
• Stop having red food dye (example: drink mixes, cough syrup) iodized salt, seasoned salt, fast foods and highly processed foods 3 weeks before the treatment.
• Do not have x-ray contrast dye 3 months before the test. 

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test.

• Stop amiodarone 3 months before the treatment - discuss with the doctor who prescribes this medication to you. 
• Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine) 3 weeks before the treatment. 
• Stop PTU and Tapazole 5 days before the treatment. 
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have water. Once the test is started, do not eat for 2 hours, after one hour you may drink water.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions.

Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

The doctor that ordered the test will have discussed special precautions that you need to follow. 

The Nuclear Medicine department will provide detailed instructions on the day of your test.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 30 days.

Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Thyroid Uptake and Scan South Island

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 to 20 minutes
Visit 2: 30 to 60 minutes approximately 4 hours after visit 1.

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional letters with instructions and appointment times for other thyroid tests.

• Stop all supplements that contain iodine including Greens+ 3 weeks before the treatment.
• Stop having seafood, kelp and sushi 3 weeks before the treatment. 
• Do not have x-ray contrast dye 3 months before the test.

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test.  

• Stop amiodarone 3 months before the test - discuss with the doctor who prescribes this medication to you. 
• Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine) 3 weeks before the treatment. 
• Stop PTU and Tapazole 5 days before the treatment.
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have water. Once the test is started, do not eat for 2 hours, after one hour you may drink water.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions.

Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

If you have a menstrual cycle you may require a pregnancy blood test the day of your treatment; you will need to check in with the Nuclear Medicine Department 2 hours before your appointment.

A pregnancy test will not be required if you have had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation or no menstrual cycle for the past year.
A laboratory requisition will be provided to you when you check in.

The doctor that ordered the test will have discussed special precautions that you need to follow.
 
The Nuclear Medicine department will provide detailed instructions on the day of your test.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 30 days.

Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Thyroid Uptake Only North/Central Island

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 to 20 minutes
Visit 2: 15 minutes approximately 24 hours after visit 1

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional letters with instructions and appointment times for other thyroid tests

• Stop all supplements that contain iodine including Greens+ 3 weeks before the test.
• Stop having seafood, kelp, sushi 3 weeks before the test. 
• Stop having red food dye (example: drink mixes, cough syrup) iodized salt, seasoned salt, fast foods and highly processed foods 3 weeks before the treatment.
• Do not have x-ray contrast dye 3 months before the test. 

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test.

You may be asked to:

• Stop amiodarone 3 months before the treatment - discuss with the doctor who prescribes this medication to you. 
• Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine)  3 weeks before the treatment. 
• Stop PTU and Tapazole 7 days before the treatment. 
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have water.
• Once the test is started, do not eat for 2 hours, after one hour you may drink water.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions. 

Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 30 days.

Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Thyroid Uptake Only South Island

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 2 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 to 20 minutes
Visit 2: 15 minutes approximately 4 hours after visit 1

The product for this test is ordered specifically for you. Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment.

If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

You may receive additional letters with instructions and appointment times for other thyroid tests.

• Stop all supplements that contain iodine including Greens+ 3 weeks before the treatment.
• Stop having seafood, kelp and sushi 3 weeks before the treatment.
• Do not have x-ray contrast dye 3 months before the test.  

Do not stop your medications unless instructed to do so by the doctor who ordered the test.  

• Stop amiodarone 3 months before the test - discuss with the doctor who prescribes this medication to you. 
• Stop thyroid medications (Synthroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Cytomel, Thyroxine)  3 weeks before the treatment. 
• Stop PTU and Tapazole 5 days before the treatment.
• Do not eat 4 hours prior to your exam. You may have water.
• Once the treatment is started, do not eat for 2 hours, after one hour you may drink water.
• Diabetic patients: If you take diabetic pills or insulin, the doses of these medications may need to be adjusted prior to your exam as a result of fluid and food restrictions.

 Consult your doctor prior to your exam for instructions regarding your medication.

If you have a menstrual cycle you may require a pregnancy blood test the day of your treatment; you will need to check in with the Nuclear Medicine Department 2 hours before your appointment. 

A pregnancy test will not be required if you have had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation or no menstrual cycle for the past year.
A laboratory requisition will be provided to you when you check in

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 30 days.

Inform the technologist if you are breastfeeding or lactating. The doctor that ordered the treatment will provide instructions for weaning your child and stopping lactation.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.

Voiding Cystogram

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 60 minutes

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.

White Blood Cell Scan

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Length of exam: 3 visits. The department will provide follow up visit times. 
Visit 1: 15 minutes for a blood sample
Visit 2: 15 to 45 minutes for an injection and possible scan approximately 2.5 to 3 hours after visit 1.
Visit 3: 30 to 60 minutes for your scan approximately 3 hours after your injection.

Please read all instructions carefully. Failure to comply may result in the rescheduling of your appointment
If you need assistance or have difficulty caring for yourself, please have someone accompany you for the duration of your examination who can assist you in those tasks.

Patients with open or weeping wounds: Bring all of your special dressing supplies for Visit 3. Your dressing will need to be changed at the start of Visit 3. No special supplies are on site.

Inform the technologist if you are planning to travel to the U.S. or other international destinations in the next 14 days.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, call the department before coming for your exam.

Island Health is a scent free facility, do not wear perfume, cologne or any scented products.
If the patient is a child, you may receive additional instructions from the hospital.