Test Preparation procedures: Fasting may or may not be required, depending on the test to be performed. In the case of pregnancy or breastfeeding, the physician must be informed. A list of medications that are currently being taken, or any that may cause an allergic reaction should be provided to the physician or technologist performing the procedure. As some medications may affect the test, certain medications may be required to be suspended no less than 24 hours prior to the testing procedure or as instructed. Any available recent imaging study reports (e.g. CT scan, X-Ray, MR) must be provided. Jewelry and any other metallic objects should be either removed prior to the procedure, or left at home as they may interfere with the testing procedure. On Day of the Test: A brief medical history for the specific condition may be required. Nuclear medicine studies are sensitive to exterior influencers, therefore prior to the test a specific set of instructions is going to be provided and should be carefully followed. The physician or technologist performing the procedure should be informed of any exceptional circumstances or conditions so as to be appropriately addressed prior to the procedure. Depending on the test type, the radiopharmaceutical will be administered through either an intravenous injection, inhalation or ingestion. Method of Operation: The radiopharmaceutical is administered either through inhalation, an intravenous injection or ingestion. The substances then are gathered in the target organ discharging slight amounts of energy in the form of radiation to be detected by specialized radiation detection devices. Afterwards, the data provided by the devices is fed to the computer so that it can accordingly generate detailed organ or system images providing anatomical and functional data concerning the intended organ or system. The procedure: Nuclear medical scans are considered extremely motion sensitive, as the results can be affected and misinterpreted by minor movements or changes in the position. Therefore, prior to the imaging you will be positioned on the examination table requested not to fidget or move. The device maybe immobile or might be rotating around you depending on the imaging, however the device itself is not radioactive. The procedure itself does not cause any unusual sensation or discomfort. Timeline: All necessary information will be provided 24 hours prior to the examination. Though, it should be noted that the test time length may greatly vary. The type of examination performed dictates the timeline as it may take several minutes, hours or it may be performed over the duration of several days. Safety: Our technicians and physicians follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), to cautiously measure the necessary amounts of radiopharmaceutical to attaining optimal results, while exposing the patient to the least amount of radiation possible. As a patient you will be consuming a minimalistic amount of radiopharmaceutical sufficient for diagnostic purposes. The radiation exposure in nuclear medicine procedures is minimalistic, measurable to the ones exposed to through conventional X-Rays maybe even less. After the Examination: You may be requested to stay until the results are analysed. Additional examination maybe required in some cases to better evaluate the results. Reports and Results: Following the procedure completion, the results will be immediately interpreted and reported by board certified physicians. Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine effects on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: In case of pregnancy risks vs. benefits is always considered before resorting to diagnostic nuclear medicine, in case any other procedures may be able to provide the same diagnostic information with the same precision, it will be advised right away. Otherwise, the mother is required to increase fluid intake subsequently frequent urination as to considerably reduce the baby’s radiation exposure. In case of breastfeeding, depending on the examination performed, the mother should stop the breastfeeding, however upon notifying the attending staff the nuclear physician will be consulted as to determine the most suitable time to resume. Usually, patients are advised to pump and store the milk prior to the procedure. Family members who underwent a diagnostic nuclear imaging do not pose any threat. However, in the case of therapeutic procedures such as Iodine Treatment, pregnant women are strongly advised to keep an approximate distance of one meter in addition to refrain from utilizing the same toilet or utensils, additionally to avoid sharing food and direct skin contact. Therapeutic nuclear procedures such as iodine ablation, cannot be performed on pregnant women.