Lymph scintigram (NLYMP)

Please complete your appointment details from your appointment letter and bring this leaflet with you.

What is 'nuclear medicine'?

Nuclear medicine refers to the medical use of radioactive tracers for the diagnosis and sometimes treatment, of medical conditions.

Nuclear medicine tests are helpful to diagnose a wide variety of illnesses. The clinician that referred you to nuclear medicine will have already explained to you the reasons for having this test.

This leaflet is to explain your scan and provide you with some general information. The procedure will be fully explained to you when you attend. We are happy to provide additional information beforehand; please see the contact details section at the foot of this leaflet.

Benefits of nuclear medicine tests and are they dangerous?

Nuclear medicine procedures are commonly used diagnostic tools that utilise ionising radiation to obtain important clinical information.

There are small risks associated with the use of ionising radiation. Ionising radiation can cause cell damage that can, after many years or decades, contribute to the development of cancerous cells. This procedure carries only a very small chance of this happening to you. Our tests have been optimised by a team of clinical scientists and technologists to ensure that the dose you receive is appropriate for your test.

Your doctor will have considered the risk and benefits of having the test before referring you to us. The benefits of the test outweigh the potential risk.

Will it hurt?

No more than a blood test. There are no side effects from the tracer injection, and no restrictions following the test. You will be able to continue with your usual daily activities.

What is a lymph scintigram?

This test investigates the cause of the oedema in the arms and/or legs.

Do I need to prepare for the test?

No. You may eat and drink normally before the test and continue taking any medication. Avoid clothes with metal buttons. You may be asked to remove metal objects (buckles, coins, jewellery) while the pictures are being taken.

If you have any mobility issues, please inform the department before attending so that we can make appropriate arrangements for you.

How is the test carried out?

Arrival

You will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer in between the first and second digits of each foot and/or hand.

Scans

A 20-minute scan will be performed immediately after the injections. The scans are performed with you lying on a bed. You will not be going into a ‘tunnel’, but you will need to lie still.

If necessary, this scan will be repeated at 30 minutes, one hour and three hours post injection. You will be able to get up and move around between pictures.

Occasionally, additional images are required after the three hours.

How long will the test take?

Up to five hours may be required from the injection to the end of the test depending on how many pictures we need to take.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is usual to avoid radioactive tests during pregnancy. Small amounts of some radioactive substances may appear in breast milk. Patients who are breast feeding and those that know, or suspect that they are pregnant should contact the department before attending to discuss this further and should also inform the department upon arrival.

What happens after the test?

You are free to go home or return to your ward. There are no restrictions following this test.

Your results will be reported and available from your referring clinician/ team or GP within three weeks after your appointment. If you have MyChart, your results will become available once released by your referring consultant.

Family/friends

Due to the small size of the waiting area in Nuclear Medicine we ask that you please limit the number of people accompanying you for your visit. Please note that children and pregnant women should not accompany you to the Nuclear Medicine department.

Travelling abroad?

Please be aware that most airports have sensitive radiation monitors which detect very small amounts of radiation and may detect a residual trace from your test. We advise that you keep, and travel with, your appointment letter if you are travelling within the next few days. If you inform us of your travel, we can provide you with a signed travel letter at your appointment. If residual trace is detected, the airport may have to contact our department as a precaution.

How to find/contact the department

The Nuclear Medicine department is located on level 3, in the outpatient end of the hospital. If you have any queries or cannot make your appointment, please contact the department as soon as possible on 01223 217145. Our opening times are Monday to Friday, 08:00 (8am) to 17:00 (5pm).

Medication

Bring all your medicines (including inhalers, injections, creams, eye drops or patches) and a current repeat prescription from your GP.

Please tell the ward staff about all the medicines you use. During your stay If you wish to take your medication yourself (self-medicate), please speak with your nurse. Pharmacists visit the wards regularly and can help with any medicine queries.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device.

Privacy and dignity

Same-sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one-to-one care is required.