	Nuclear medicine scans
	When you get a nuclear medicine scan, we use a small amount of radioactive material to take pictures of your body
	It's safe and doesn't hurt
	The radioactive material is injected into a vein, just like a blood test - you won't feel any different afterwards
	We use a very small amount of radioactive material – it’s the same as the natural radiation you would get from the sun over 1 to 5 years
	The benefits of the scan are much greater than the risks

	Getting ready for your scan
	Because there is not much space you can only bring 1 person with you
	Do not bring children with you

	24 hours before your scan
	As much as possible, try to avoid doing any physical exercise from the day before your appointment, as this may affect the quality of your test

	6 hours before your scan
	do not eat or drink
	you can take a few sips of clear water
	take your medication as usual

	You must contact us 24 hours before your scan if you
	think you might be pregnant
	are claustrophobic (you don’t like confined spaces)
	have additional needs
	are breastfeeding
	are diabetic, taking insulin and your blood sugar is unstable
	have a porta-cath
	or it has been hard to inject into your veins in the past

	Let us know as soon as possible if you can’t come to your appointment
	You can call us on 020 34 47 05 03
	Or email us at uclh.nucmed@nhs.net

	On the day of your scan
	Once you have had your injection you will have to wait for 60 minute
	We will ask you to change into a gown
	We will ask you to remove anything metallic such as piercings
	jewellery
	and an underwired bra

	We then ask you to lie on a bed that moves through the scanning machine
	We do this in sections so your head will not be inside the scanner for very long
	If you think it can help, we can offer you an eye mask, or music to take you mind off things
	Staff can hear and see you all the time - you can speak to them at any time during the scan
	The scan usually takes 15 to 20 minutes

	After your scan
	You can eat and drink whatever you want
	Limit close contact with children under 5 to less than 10 minutes After you go home you can spend up to 4 hours with children under 5
	Drink more water than you normally do for the rest of the day
	This will help wash the radioactivity out of your body - the rest will disappear naturally
	We will send a report to the doctor who ordered the scan

	Travelling after your scan
	Ask the staff how long the radioactive material will stay in your body
	Some places like airports and train stations have sensitive radiation detectors - if the material is still in your body, you might set off an alarm
	Don't worry, the staff will just ask you a few questions and use a hand scanner before letting you go
	Some countries might need proof that you had a scan - if you're travelling, take this letter with you