Lung scan
Patient information leaflets
NHS Borders
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Borders General Hospital
Melrose
TD6 9BS
Telephone 01896 826432
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telephone: 01896 826432
"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."
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Nuclear medicine
Nuclear Medicine scans use radioactive tracers to show the structure and functions of the organs in the body. A Gamma Camera and computer are used to produce the scans, which are then processed to provide images from which the radiologist prepares a report for your doctor.
Before
- it would be helpful if you could have plenty of fluids before your scan
- you do not need to have a full bladder
- if you are pregnant or breast-feeding please telephone us as soon as possible
After
You will be asked to avoid close contact with children and pregnant ladies for a period of 24 hours after the scan.
Lung scan
This shows the blood vessels in the lungs. We will start by taking a chest x-ray, if this has not been done in the last couple of days.
The scan is done with you lying on your back. You do not need to undress for the scan, but will be asked to remove metal objects from your pockets.
You will be given an injection in your arm of radioactive tracer and the scan will be done straight after that.
Sometimes it is necessary to have a second scan on another day. A Radiologist will see the scan to decide if this will be needed.
The examination will normally take 45 minutes.
Results
The results of this examination will be sent to the Doctor or Consultant who requested it.
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Borders General Hospital
Melrose
TD6 9BS Telephone 01896 826432