What is a DAT Brain Scan?
DAT stands for dopamine active transporter. Dopamine is a chemical. It is important in the areas of the brain that help control movement. A DAT brain scan is a nuclear medicine test that looks at the activity of dopamine transporters in your brain. It is often used to help distinguish Parkinson’s disease from other causes of tremor or movement difficulties.
Is it safe?
The liquid (radionuclides) used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic purposes are generally safe. They have short half-life and leave the body naturally like through urine. To get your DAT scan we need to inject “radiopharmaceutical”. This means a small amount of radioactivity has been mixed with a medicine. It is called “DAT Scan”. The small radiation risk is outweighed by the information that we will get from the scan.
Do I need to have this scan?
A doctor will have checked the request to make sure this is the best test for you.
If you have any concerns or would like more information please contact the department where you are having your scan. If you do not understand why you need to have this scan please speak to the doctor who referred you.
How do I prepare for my DAT scan?
- We will give you a call if you need to stop any medicine for this scan.
- If you are allergic to Iodine, please let us know ASAP.
- Before your injection you will be asked to swallow two small tablets of Potassium Iodide. This is to stop the tracer going to organs where it is not wanted.
- We will encourage you to drink plenty of liquids before and after you have had the radiopharmaceutical.
- You can eat normally.
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
Due to radiation risk to unborn child this scan should not be done if you are pregnant. If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant, contact the department on following numbers. Your scan will need to be postponed. Also let us know if you are breast-feeding. We have special instructions for you:
Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle: 01228 814701
West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven: 01946 523456
What will happen?
Your Injection
A small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand using a small needle. The ‘pinprick’ of the needle may hurt a bit but that is all. This is almost similar to a blood test you might have had in the past. After the injection you will have to wait for about 3 hours. We will let you know the approximate time for the scan. You can leave the department and come back at your scan time if you wish.
Your Scan
The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It has 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. It is not a fully system. The camera heads will be close to you. These detectors have touch sensors so they stop moving when they sense your body. This makes it unlikely to touch you. Before the scan starts you will be asked to:
- Go to the toilet to empty your bladder
- Remove all metal objects from head and neck.
- Lie flat on your back on a couch with your head in a special headrest.
The imaging can take about 30 minutes to 1 hour. We will try our best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. A technologist will explain the procedure before starting the scan. They will be in the control room at all times. You will not feel anything during the scan. There are no aftereffects of this scan. Let us know if you feel any discomfort at any time.
It is very important that you keep still during the scan. If you think that you will find this difficult please speak to us before your appointment.
After Your Scan
When your scan is finished the technologist will get you off the scanner safely. You may continue all your normal activities unless you have been advised not to.
A tiny amount of radioactivity will still be left in your body. This will not be a significant risk to other people around you. The radioactivity will break down on its own. For the rest of the day we suggest that you:
- Try to keep any time that you spend within pregnant women, babies and small children as short as possible. Try to stay at arm’s length. There is no need to stop giving children essential love and care.
- Drink plenty of liquids. This will help clear the radioactivity quicker
Travelling Abroad
It is perfectly safe for you to travel abroad after your scan. Many airports and seaports have very sensitive radiation detectors. It is possible that the very small amount of radioactivity left in your body could set off an alarm as you go through security. If you are travelling abroad within 1 week after your scan, it will be helpful to take with you something to explain that you have recently had a this scan. This can be your appointment letter or some other official confirmation from the department where you had your scan.
Your Results
A nuclear medicine physician / radiologist will report your DAT scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan. Not to your GP. Unless your GP asked for the scan. This is because the doctor who asked for your scan will have all the results from other tests. They will be able to tell you how the result of your DAT scan affects your care plan.
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302