General information
A doctor has asked that we take pictures of your abdomen.
If the appointment clashes with another outpatient appointment or test, or you are unable to attend on this day, please contact this department as soon as possible. We can then reschedule the test and assign the appointment to another patient.
As the test involves small amounts of radiation, we ask that you are not accompanied by children under 18 or anyone who is pregnant. You may bring one adult with you to the department.
If you have mobility issues, please contact the department on the telephone numbers provided.
Please be advised that the capsule given during the test contains gelatine.
Benefit and risks of the test
Everyone receives some radiation every day from the radioactivity in the air, food we eat and even from space. The amount of radiation in this nuclear medicine test is similar to your natural exposure over 11/2 months so the risks associated with it are low.
The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you. This benefit is far greater than the small risk from radiation.
What does the test involve?
Part 1
You will be given a capsule containing a small amount of radioactive material. You are then free to leave the department for an hour. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot items within this hour.
Part 2
When you return we will take two pictures of your abdomen, which will last about ten minutes. You are then free to leave the department once more, but must return 1 week later for further pictures of your abdomen.
Part 3
When you return to the department 1 week later, we will repeat the two pictures of your abdomen.
Preparation
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you must inform the department as soon as possible as special arrangements may have to be made.
There is no special preparation required for this test. Please eat and drink as normal.
Please bring with you a list of any medication that you are taking (your repeat prescription sheet if possible). If you take any bile acid sequestrants (e.g. Colestyramine or Colesevelam), please contact the department as soon as possible.
After the test
When the test is completed, the images will be reviewed and a report will be available to the doctor who has requested the test.
The camera
The Gamma Camera used to take the pictures has an open design and the majority of patients complete the test without any discomfort.
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Lincoln County Hospital 01522 573103