AMI

How long does the test take?

The length of time varies for different exams. Most tests are performed on a single day, but a few tests can take up to several days. Because the radioactive agent takes time to be absorbed by the body it is not unusual for a test to take 2-3 hours.

Can I eat?

For most nuclear medicine studies patients can eat prior to the exam. Certain tests, such as biliary studies and gallbladder ejection fraction studies, require fasting. Do not worry about which tests you need to fast with, our schedulers will determine if it's necessary and provide instructions.

Will I be able to drive myself?

Yes. None of the nuclear medicine tests requires sedation.

Where do you put the needle?

For many of the tests the radioactive material is in liquid form and must be injected into veins. We use the veins around the elbows, wrists, and hands.

Are there any reactions?

No. The material is inert, and does not cause allergic reactions.

Will I glow?

No! The injected radioactive material is invisible to the eye. It can only be imaged on special cameras built specifically for this purpose.