NuclearÌýmedicine is a medical imaging specialty that involves the use of radiopharmaceuticalsÌý(also known asÌýradioactiveÌýmedicinesÌýor tracer medicines)Ìýfor diagnostic imagingÌý(scans), therapy and research. NuclearÌýmedicine imaging combines the use ofÌýtracer medicinesÌýand gamma
camerasÌý(cameras that can detect theÌýgamma radiation that the tracer medicineÌýemits),Ìýto provide images that can see inside the body.ÌýWhile nuclear medicine scansÌýinvolveÌýradiation exposure (like with X-rays and CT-scans),Ìýthe exposure is limited as much as possible.Ìý
Why does my child need a nuclear medicine scan?
NuclearÌýmedicineÌýscansÌýare performed for many different reasons,Ìýincluding:Ìý
- to see how different organs in the body are functioningÌý
- to look at the shape or structure of parts of the bodyÌý
- forÌýearly detection, treatment, and management of diseases.Ìý
NuclearÌýmedicineÌýscansÌýcan be performed on most organs of the body, and are commonly used to examine the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and brain.ÌýTheyÌýcan also be used toÌýexamine bones.
Nuclear Medicine studies routinely performed at RCH include:Ìý
- Bone scan
- Mag3 renal scan
- DMSA renal scan
- Gastric emptyingÌýand gastro-intestinal transit studies
- Thyroid scan and therapy
- Brain perfusion (epilepsy)
- GFR renal studies
- MIBG whole body imaging
PreparingÌýyour child for their appointment
For some ideas on how to prepare your child for the procedure, and tips on distracting them and helping them stay calm during the procedure, see our fact sheetÌýReducing your child's discomfort
during procedures.
It may beÌýhelpfulÌýto your child if the procedure is explained to themÌýbefore they come in for their important.ÌýExplainÌýthat:Ìý
- the scans do not take long
- the scans are painless
- a parent or carer can stay with the child during the scan.
MostÌýchildrenÌýcan watchÌýaÌýmovie while having their scans,ÌýandÌýyou are welcome toÌýbringÌýinÌýaÌýsmartphone, tablet,ÌýorÌýyour child's favouriteÌýmovie or TV showÌýto keep your child occupied and distractedÌýduring the scan.Ìý
Specialist staff from
Child Life Therapy may also be of benefit for your child. The Child Life Therapist engages families in imaging-specific education and medical play, as well as providing distraction and support during procedures. Appointments for Child Life Therapist support can be made in advance via Medical Imaging or your
referring doctor.
What to expect with a nuclear medicine scan
Before the procedure
Preparation for aÌýnuclearÌýmedicineÌýexaminationÌýdepends on the type of scan your child is having, and your child’s individual needs. Some scans require fasting for the actual imaging sequences, and others require fasting for sedation – please confirm with your individual instructions at the time of
booking. Distraction techniques are utilised for all scans for all age patients in nuclear medicine.
If your child requires an injection, topical anaesthesia will be applied to theÌýinjectionÌýsiteÌýto make itÌýnumb – this can be in the form of a cream or via Coolsense® – a hand-held device that uses cryotherapy to numb the area.ÌýCream usually takes over 45 minutes to
work,ÌýsoÌýyou will be asked to attend the department earlier than your scheduled appointment time.ÌýYou will be advised if you need to do this when you are givenÌýyourÌýappointment.Ìý Ìý
Whether or not your child needs sedationÌýdependsÌýonÌýthe type of scan they are havingÌýandÌýtheir individualÌýcircumstances.ÌýIn cases where a child is unable to remain stillÌýenough or they areÌývery anxious or distressed, sedation may be required.ÌýYour child will be assessed to
ensure sedation is suitable for them.ÌýTypical studies that may require sedationÌýincludeÌýbone scans,ÌýMIBGÌýwhole bodyÌýscansÌýandÌýbrain scans, and this is usually required for younger children.
See our fact sheetÌýSedation for procedures.
During the procedure
You and your child will be invited into the camera room by a technologist and the procedure will be explained. Your child will then be positioned on the scanning bed.ÌýSeat belts may be placed around your child to help them remain still,ÌýasÌýwell asÌýfor safety purposes as the scanning bed is
quite narrow and can move.ÌýÌý
Your childÌýwillÌýbeÌýadministeredÌýthe tracer medicine, whichÌýisÌýgiven by:Ìý
- intravenous (IV) needle (the most common method)Ìý
- oral drinkÌý
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The imaging can take placeÌýafterÌýthe tracer has been administered. It may involveÌýthe camera moving slowly over or around your child's whole body, or a specific area of their body. Your child is required to keep quite still whilst the camera is taking images.ÌýÌý
The average time for aÌýnuclearÌýmedicineÌýexaminationÌýis 30–45 minutes, but there may be multiple scans or sequences required over a longer period of time.Ìý
After the scanÌý
Usually you will be able to leave straight after the completion of the scan sequences, unless your child has had sedation.ÌýIf your child had sedation, they will be required to remain under the care of the department nurse untilÌýtheyÌýhaveÌýrecovered appropriately. Ìý
A report will be prepared by the Nuclear Medicine Specialist and sent to the referringÌýdoctor. The reportÌýis usually available within a few days but can be received earlier if required.ÌýIf you have any questions about why your child needs a nuclear medicine scan, or questions about the results of your scan,
please speak to your doctor.
Nuclear medicine scan with general anaestheticÌý
SomeÌýnuclearÌýmedicine scansÌýneed to beÌýperformedÌýwhile your child is asleepÌýunder a general anaesthetic. This is quiteÌýrare,ÌýbutÌýmay be requiredÌýif sedation will not be effective for your child and their scan.ÌýIf your child does needÌýa general anaesthetic for their scan,
you will beÌýgiven specific instructions for what to do before the scan, including fasting requirements.ÌýÌý
Key points to rememberÌý
- NuclearÌýmedicineÌýscansÌýuseÌýtracer medicinesÌýand gamma camerasÌýto provide imagesÌýofÌýorgans and bonesÌýinside the body
- Some scans require fasting for the actual imaging sequences, and others require fasting for sedation
- Your child will be lying on a scanning bed and has to keep very still during the procedure
- Sedation may be required forÌýchildren who are unable to remain still enough, or who are very scared.ÌýThis is more common for scans whole body scans in younger children
- The scans are painless, and if an injection is required your child can have numbing solution applied to the injection site
ForÌýmore information
Common questions our doctors are asked
How safe is the tracer medicine my
child will be given?Ìý
It is extremely rare to have a reaction to any of the tracers used in nuclear medicine. Specialised staff or on hand to provide help should any symptoms arise, however unlikely. Once the scan is complete, your child will pass the tracer (through urine or
faeces) over the following hours or days without any concern.Ìý
My child is anxious
about medical procedures and I am not sure they will be still enough for the
scan. How can I help?
To get some ideas of how to talk to your child about the scan before you come to hospital, see our fact
sheet. Also consider showing your child our
‘Be Positive’ videos of children having procedures at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH). Seeing the videos may help them by knowing what to expect. You can also download our
Okee in Medical Imaging app, which includes games and information especially designed to help children feel more comfortable about having medical imaging at RCH.
Specialist staff from
Child Life Therapy may also be of benefit for your child. The Child Life Therapist engages families in imaging-specific education and medical play, as well as providing distraction and support during procedures. Appointments for Child Life Therapist support can be made in advance via Medical Imaging or your
referring doctor.
Are there radiation risks with this
examination?
All medical imaging procedures at RCH have been justified by a Radiologist or Specialist before the exam is performed. All imaging procedures are optimised – each study is performed with the aim to provide the highest quality imaging with the lowest radiation dose to each
child.
For more information on radiation, please see the Australian Government fact sheet:
, or speak to your technologist.
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Nuclear Medicine department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed November 2018.
This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit
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