Whole Bowel Transit Study (NSBTS)

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. 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 Whole Gut Transit study?

This test is used to access how well stomach, small and large intestine empty after a drink.

Do I need to prepare for the test?

Yes.

You must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for a minimum of 6 hours before your appointment time. You may still drink small amounts of water, especially to take tablets. You must not have any caffeine the morning of your test. If you are diabetic please bring your medication with you.

Stop taking all medications that influence gastric motility (except diabetic and heart medication) 48 hours before your appointment. If in doubt please contact the department of Nuclear Medicine.

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. Please also inform us if you have had any tests on your gastrointestinal system within the week prior to this appointment.

How is the test carried out?

There are two parts to this test.

Drink: You will be given two cups of water to drink. This water will contain a radioactive tracer, but will not taste, smell or feel any different to normal.

Scans: We will then perform a one minute scan on you every 30 minutes for up to 6 hours. The pictures are usually taken with you lying on a bed. You will not be going into a ‘tunnel’, but you will need to lie still.

Approximately 4 hours into the test you will be encouraged to eat a meal of your choice. This can be purchased on site or alternatively please bring something with you.

You may be required to return on the following 3-4 consecutive days for more pictures. These pictures take 10 minutes.

You will not be able to eat, drink, smoke or chew gum for the duration of this test. Between pictures you will sit in a waiting room, but please refrain from leaving the department until the test is complete. Therefore we recommend that you bring some form of entertainment, i.e. a book/magazine or computer.

How long will the test take?

It will take up to 7 hours on day one and up to 20 minutes each subsequent day. Please be aware that the material used for this test is very expensive.

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?

When we have checked the technical quality of your scan and are happy we have all the information we need, you will be able to leave the department. 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.

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

More information is available on our website: MyChart

Contacts/further information

Nuclear Medicine department: 01223 217145