Red Cell Survival Study (NRCVI)

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 red cell survival study?

This test is used to access the survival rate of the red blood cells in your circulation, by analysing your blood samples.

Do I need to prepare for the test?

No. You may eat and drink normally and continue taking any medication.

Please dress in loose sleeved clothing to allow easy access to the veins in your arms.

How is the test carried out?

Arrival: On arrival a cannula (a small flexible needle) will be inserted into a vein in your arm. A sample of blood will be taken and labelled with a radioactive tracer.

Wait: There will be a waiting period of 2 hours until the labelled blood is ready to reinject. During this time you will be able to leave the department.

Re-Injection: When you return to us we will then re-inject the labelled blood through your cannula.

Blood samples: A blood sample will be taken approximately 10 minutes after your blood is re injected. You will need to return for the following 4-5 days for further blood samples.

You may be required to return for more blood samples after the first 5 days. You will be informed of this and appointment times if necessary. The test can continue for several weeks.

How long will the test take?

Up to 3 hours on day 1 and 15 minutes for the following days.

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 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 our website.

Contacts/Further information

Nuclear Medicine department 01223 217145.

Privacy & 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.