What is a SeHCAT scan?
A nuclear medicine test that uses a small amount of radioactivity to helps us look at how well your gut soaks up bile salts. Bile salts are made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. They help to digest fats through absorption in the intestine.
For SeHCAT study you will need to have 2 appointments 1 week apart.
Do I need to have this scan?
Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) can cause severe diarrhoea. This scan will help find a proper diagnosis. Then your doctor will be able to choose the best treatment for you.
Is it safe?
The amount of radioactivity used is very small. It is similar to natural background that you will get from the environment over a period of about 2 months.
How do I prepare for this scan?
- Please check your appointment letter to see if you need to stop any medication.
- You can have a light breakfast before your appointment.
- You will not be allowed to eat until your scan is finished.
- Wear clothes with no metals around your tummy.
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant, then please 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 do I expect during the whole procedure?
First Appointment
On your first appointment, you will be asked to swallow a tablet. This contains a bile salt like chemical and a tiny amount of radioactivity. After swallowing the tablet you will have to wait for 1 hour for the scan. If you wish to, you can leave the department. We will tell you what time you need to come back.
The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It has 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. You will be asked to lie flat on your back on a special couch. The technologist will take a five minutes image of your tummy.
Second Appointment
At your second appointment, you will be taken straight to the camera room. A 5 minutes picture of your tummy will be taken. You will not need to take any tablet this day.
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 are going to travel abroad within 1 week after your scan take something with you to show that you have recently had 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 scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan rather than 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 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