What is a parathyroid scan?
Parathyroid glands are small pea-sized glands which are just behind the thyroid gland in your neck. A nuclear medicine parathyroid scan is used to find and isolate any overactive parathyroid glands. This will help your doctor understand your condition.
Do I need to have this scan?
A doctor will have checked to make sure this is the best test for you. If you have any concerns or would like further 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.
Is it safe?
The liquid (radionuclides) used to find any problems are generally safe. They have short half-life and leave your body naturally like through urine. To do the scan we need to inject “radiopharmaceutical”. This means a small amount of radioactivity has been mixed with a medicine which is specific for parathyroid glands. The small radiation risk is outweighed by the information that we will get from the scan.
How do I prepare for my parathyroid scan?
There is nothing you need to do before the injection.
Below are some things to get you ready for the scan after your injection has been done:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids
- Empty your bladder as often as you need to
- You can eat normally
- Wear top / shirt that does not have any metals like a zip or metal buttons
- Remove metal objects from head and neck area
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
Due to radiation risk to unborn child, this scan should not be carried out in pregnant women. If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant please contact the department on the 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 liquid (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 similar to a blood test you might have had in the past. The scans will be taken at 10 minutes (Early) and 2 hours (Delayed) after the injection. We will let you know the approximate time for the scanning. Considering the time delay for later images, you can leave the department and come back at your scan time.
Your Scan
The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It has of 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. It is not a fully closed system but the camera heads will be close to you. These detectors have touch sensors so they stop moving when they sense your body. This means it is unlikely to touch you.
- Before your scan starts you will be asked to:
- Go to the toilet to empty your bladder
- Remove all metal objects Lie flat on your back on a special couch
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 present in the control room at all times. You will not feel anything during the scan. There are no after effects. If you feel any discomfort at any time please let us know.
The imaging can take about 10 and 30 minutes for early and delayed scans, respectively. It is very important that you keep still during the scan. Please speak to us before your appointment if you think you will find this difficult.
After Your Scan
When your scan is finished the technologist will get you off the scanner. You can continue all your normal activities unless you have been told not to.
A tiny amount of radioactivity will still be left in your body. This will not be a risk to other people. 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 close to pregnant women, babies and small children as short as possible. 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 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 plan to travel abroad within 1 week after your scan take something to explain that you have recently had a this scan. This could 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 parathyroid scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan rather than to your GP. Unless your GP requested 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 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