Parathyroid Scan

What is the purpose of this scan?
The purpose of this scan is to detect the presence of an adenoma—a benign tumor—around the parathyroid area.

How is this scan performed?
You will begin by receiving an injection of a small amount of radioactive material, usually in the vein of your arm. You will lie on a table with your head tilted back a bit so that your neck is extended a little. A camera will be positioned over your neck area. Nothing will touch you.

Two sets of pictures are taken, one at 15 minutes after the injection and another set at 90 minutes after the injection. Each set will take about 40 minutes. After the first set, you will get a 30 minute break. After the pictures are completed, the nuclear medicine physician may request additional pictures. The entire test will take about two hours and 30 minutes to complete.

How do I prepare for this scan?
There are no special preparations necessary for a parathyroid scan.

How will I feel after I have a parathyroid scan?
The radioactive shot will have no effect on how you feel.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After the procedure is complete, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to make an assessment of what the images show. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician within five to seven business days. If your doctor needs the results sooner, he/she may contact the nuclear medicine physician on the day of the exam.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.