• After my scan should I avoid contact with others?
• Are there any side effects or risks to the study?
• Can I move during the scan?
• How long will I have to be at the clinic on my scan days?
• What should I do after the scans?
• Will I be alone during the study?
• Will I get a diagnosis from the SPECT scans?
• Will I have to be inside a tube?

After my scan should I avoid contact with others?
No. In general, the radiopharmaceutical you are given will remain in your body for a short period of time and is cleared through natural bodily functions. This is why drinking more fluids afterwards will help eliminating the marking agent more quickly. If you are traveling by airplane within 24 hours following a scan, please inform the technician. If any special precautions are necessary, the technician will advise you prior to commencing the scan.

[ Top ]

---

Are there any side effects or risks to the study?
The vast majority of people do not have any reaction to the procedure. Adverse reactions to the radiopharmaceutical are very rare, but when they do occur, the reaction is usually only a mild, self-limited skin reaction such as a rash. Please let your technician know if you experience any symptoms during or after the injection. The amount of radiation exposure is very minimal.

[ Top ]

---

Can I move during the scan?
No. Your head must remain motionless (blinking eyes and swallowing are okay) for approximately 20-25 minutes or the scan's resolution will be compromised.

[ Top ]

---

How long will I have to be at the clinic on my scan days?
We advise you to plan to be at the clinic for at least 2 hours. We ask you to arrive 30 minutes before you scheduled scan time. This will give ample time to make sure that we have the needed paperwork and also give you the chance to use the anesthetic topical cream if desired. The time on the table for the actual scan is approximately 20-25 minutes.

[ Top ]

---

What should I do after the scans?
Normally you can return to any activities of daily living (driving, work, school, exercise, etc…)

[ Top ]

---

Will I be alone during the study?
No. Your technician will be with you throughout the process. You are also welcome to have a parent or friend stay with you if desired.


[ Top ]

---

Will I get a diagnosis from the SPECT scans?
As with all imaging procedures, a SPECT scan is not a standalone diagnosis. SPECT imaging is a diagnostic tool used by your physician in conjunction with patient history, clinical interview and psychological testing to form diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations.

[ Top ]

---

Will I have to be inside a tube?
No. You will not be placed in a tube. You will lie on a table and a camera will rotate around your head one time.

[ Top ]

---