Parathyroid Scan (NPTHY)

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 and our contact details are on the back 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 Parathyroid scan?

A parathyroid scan is a diagnostic tool used to show the function of your parathyroid glands. These are four small glands embedded in the back of the thyroid that regulate the body’s calcium levels. The test is used to identify and localise overactive parathyroid glands.

Do I need to prepare for the test?

There is no special preparation required before the test. You may eat and drink as normal.

For your scan you will be asked to remove any metal objects around your head, chest and neck.

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?

There are two parts to this test.

PART 1: On arrival you will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer, into a vein in your arm.

WAIT: There is a waiting period of 15 minutes before the first image is taken.

PART 2: We will then take a 5 minute image of your parathyroid glands. The scan is performed with you lying on a bed. You will need to keep still for the duration of the scan.

WAIT: There is another waiting period after the first time. This will be approximately 1 hour.

PART 3: We will then take a series of images, including a SPECT/CT. This will take 30 minutes. Once again, you will be asked to lie still for the duration of the scan.

How long will the test take?

Up to 3 hours to complete the test. You may leave the department during the 1 hour gap between images.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is usual to avoid radioactive tests during pregnancy. Patients who know, or suspect that they are pregnant should contact the department before attending and tell the doctor or nurse before the start of the test.

Small amounts of some radioactive substances may appear in breast milk. Mothers who are breastfeeding should contact the department before attending and tell the doctor or nurse before the test.

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 3 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. 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 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.

Opening times: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Medication

Bring all of 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 of 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.

My Chart:

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

More information is available on the My Chart section on our website.

Contacts/Further information

Nuclear Medicine department 01223 217145.

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.