Miscellaneous

Nuclear Medicine Therapy

Radioactive iodine (I-131) is used to treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Other radiopharmaceuticals are used to treat joint pain, including some types of arthritis, to reduce the pain from bony metastases, and to treat some other cancers.

For more information about the nuclear medicine therapies that are available, please discuss the therapeutic needs of your patient with a nuclear medicine specialist.

Other Endocrinology

Clinical Indication Procedure to Request Patient Preparation Approximate Time
Assess for parathyroid adenoma or hyperparathyroidism, often when elevated blood calcium levels have been detected. Parathyroid scan No patient preparation Up to 4 hours
Suspected phaeochromocytoma or other tumours composed of cells derived from, or related to, medullary cells of the adrenal glands. MIBG (adrenal) scan Many drugs can interfere with this study and may need to be stopped for up to a week or longer before the scan.Please contact the nuclear medicine service for specific information. Up to 24 hours

 

Other Indications

Clinical Indication Procedure to Request Patient Preparation Approximate Time
Blockage in lacrimal drainage system(excessive tearing) Lacrimal scan No patient preparation Up to 1 hour
Assess presence/patency of Leveen shunt Leveen shunt scan/study No patient preparation Up to 4 hours