Nuclear medicine is a special branch of radiology that uses tiny amounts of radioactive substances called radiotracers to diagnose disease and other abnormalities within the body. Taken orally or by intravenous (IV) injection, radiotracers accumulate in diseased organs or tissue where they give off energy that can be captured by an imaging device, usually a gamma camera or PET (positron emission tomography) scanner.

Most radiotracers are sugar based. Cancer cells and diseased tissue absorb, accumulate and metabolize sugar faster than healthy tissue and appear as bright spots on the scan. Basically, what doctors see in a nuclear scan is the bioactivity occurring within an organ or tissue, as well as its structure and precise location. Our nuclear medicine radiologists, physicists, technologists and nurses oversee thousands of procedures each year in a safe, comfortable and child-friendly atmosphere.

Painless, non-invasive nuclear imaging tests can play an important role in revealing information about your child's health, such as: 

• Analyze kidney or liver function
• Detect an overactive or under-active thyroid
• Locate the presence of infection
• Investigate abnormalities in the brain
• Diagnose cancer
• Identify the source of internal bleeding
• Scan lungs for respiratory and blood flow problems

Safety

The radioactive properties of the tracer used for nuclear medicine procedures is very low, exposing children to no more radiation than some x-ray procedures. These tracers have been routinely used for decades without negative reactions or side effects. We adapt our equipment and procedures to deliver the lowest possible radiation dose and still obtain the best images possible. After the exam, the radioactivity dissipates quickly and leaves no detectable trace after 24 hours.

Allergic reactions to radiotracers are extremely rare and usually mild when they do occur. Nevertheless, you should inform your doctor and our staff of any allergies your child has or other problems he/she had during a previous nuclear medicine exam.

Extra care and planning are required for children with diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), because of the sugar-based radiotracer. These conditions don't necessarily exclude a child from having a scan, but they do require special consideration and individualized instructions. 

What to Expect

Before the Test

Depending on the type of nuclear scan being performed on your child, you will receive specific instructions for him/her. You may be instructed not to give your child anything to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure, especially if a sedative will be given. If food is restricted, bring a bottle or snack with you for your child to have after the exam, once the nurse or technician gives you permission to do so.

Your child should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without zippers, clasps, buckles, buttons or any metal. He/she may be given a gown to wear during the procedure. Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses and hairpins should be left at home or removed prior to your child's exam.

Inform the doctor or our staff about any medications your child takes, any allergies he/she may have or recent illnesses.

During the Test

As the procedure starts, you child will be given the radiotracer either by intravenous (IV) injection or asked to drink it. If given intravenously, your child will feel a pin prick; the oral radiotracer has little or no taste. Depending on your child's age and ability to remain motionless for the length of time required to complete the procedure, he/she may also be sedated. Sedation is not anesthesia, it is merely a medication taken orally or administered by IV injection to put the child into a deep sleep during the procedure. The procedure itself is painless, however children may experience some discomfort from having to remain still during imaging

After the Test

Unless instructed otherwise, your child may resume his/her normal activities after a nuclear scan. If sedation was used, you will receive specific instructions to follow after leaving the hospital.

The Results

The images obtained during your child's nuclear scan remain an electronic file. Florida Hospital has the most sophisticated network, viewing stations and software for processing, transmitting, reviewing and storing these electronic images.

A board-certified pediatric radiologist specialized in nuclear medicine will examine and interpret the nuclear scans and create a report of his/her findings that will be sent to your child's doctor. Your doctor will present the results and discuss them with you.