Absolutely amazing staff and service.. very kind, caring, friendly, and efficient. Yes, my appointment was made on an emergency basis. I wish that the rest of our health care system worked as quickly, efficiently, and caring as these ladies and gentlemen did.
Understanding Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive materials that are typically injected into a vein. The material travels to the area being examined and gives off energy in the form of rays which are detected by a special camera to create images of the inside of your body.
Who Needs Nuclear Medicine Services?
Nuclear medicine is a common diagnostic imaging modality for individuals experiencing back pain, bone pain, fractures, thyroid conditions, gallbladder concerns and more.
In many cases, x-rays may be performed first and if nothing is found, nuclear medicine services may be used to investigate further.
Nuclear medicine is also commonly used for cancer patients to monitor any progression or spreading of the cancer.
Choosing CAMIS for Nuclear Medicine
At CAMIS, we pride ourselves on providing the expert care you deserve and delivering a comfortable and reassuring nuclear medicine experience.
We understand that any exams can feel intimidating , so we want to prioritize empowering you with information surrounding the nuclear medicine services and make you feel as comfortable as possible. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you would like to be further walked through the process of any of our services.
Nuclear Medicine Services
- Bone Scan
- Parathyroid Scan
- HIDA Scan
- MUGA (Heart) Scan
Frequently Asked Questions
About Nuclear Medicine
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.
The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:
Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.
Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.
MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Preparing For Your Appointment
PATIENT PREPARATION
- All Scans
- Dress comfortably, with loose easy to remove clothing.
- Avoid clothing with metal fasteners and zippers.
- Bone Scan
- Drink 500 ml (2 cups) of water just prior to your appointment time. You may empty your bladder.
- If you have renal impairment DO NOT drink additional fluids. You may empty your bladder.
- You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer and be asked to return anywhere from 2½ to 4 hours after the injection.
- When you return, imaging takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
- HIDA Scan
- Do not eat or drink a minimum of 4 hours prior to your appointment time.
- At the time of booking you may be asked to discontinue some medications.
- You will receive an injection of radioactive tracer and images will be taken over a period of time.
- This exam usually takes 1½ to 2 hours to complete, but on occasion can take up to 4 hours.
- MUGA Scan
- There is no special preparation for this exam.
- You will receive 2 injections, with a 20-30 minute waiting period between them.
- Imaging begins after the second injection and usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
- Parathyroid Scan
- There is no special preparation for this exam.
- Please inform us if you have had prior surgery in the neck area.
- You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection.
- The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection.
- Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours.
- Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM
- You will check in at the reception area in the basement. (Access north side of the building).
- A technologist will call you by name and take you to the nuclear medicine department.
- The technologist will ask you a series of questions relevant to the exam being done.
- The technologist will explain the procedure and the timing of your exam.<
AFTER YOUR EXAM
- You will be free to go.
Covered by Alberta Health Care
Referrals are necessary for all bookings
Shout out to the two amazing women who assisted me in my MRI appointment today, although I came in with anxiety of the unknown and don’t do well in closed spaces these two wonderful ladies made my experience not only great but I was able to make it through it with ease and comfort, thank you so very much for your kindness and amazing support and service, two of the most beautiful women it’s great to see there is still amazing people out there, thank you again ladies 🙌🙌🙌🫶
Tara B.
Always have a professional and kind experience with CAMIS. I was lucky enough to have Debbie this last time and she was incredibly kind and gentle for a procedure that can be uncomfortable. Very thoughtful and walked me through everything with humor and unmatched professionalism. All staff have been great in my experience.
Natalie B
I had an amazing experience having my test done here today. Jordyn was very personable (great interpersonal and communication skills) – made me feel at ease and comfortable during my test. She is an excellent ultrasound technologist! She explained the procedures and my test was done on time. Thank you for the excellent service Jordyn!
Experanza E.
I cannot say enough good things about all the staff and doctors I interacted with the last two days. What was a very scary and stressful time was made enjoyable, easy, understandable and friendly.
Carrie McKay
I cannot say enough good things about all the staff and doctors I interacted with the last two days. What was a very scary and stressful time was made enjoyable, easy, understandable and friendly. Everyone from the greeter at the door to front desk staff to all the wonderful nurses and technicians made this whole process so easy and relieving.
Carrie M
I had a Barbotage treatment at the new CAMIS Notre Dame location. I have to say the staff there are excellent. The one in the treatment room with me was so kind, considerate and compassionate). I just want to compliment the lovely lady who assisted the Doctor who was also exceptionally good at trying not to cause me any more pain. Great job done by both of them.
Carole Carnahan
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Do You Need A Nuclear Medicine Imaging?
Contact our Camis Care team to ask questions and learn more about our nuclear medicine imaging services.