Nuclear Medicine

Aids in identifying some diseases at their earliest stages.

Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose disease.

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

FAQs

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

The short term side effects are that you may get a headache or an upset stomach.

Each nuclear medicine service differs in process. We will send results to your doctor and they will typically contact you within 3-4 days.

Bone Scan: 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.

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: 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: 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.

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

My technician Rhonda and Dr. Venu are absolutely exceptional in their bedside manner. They were thoroughly invested in ensuring I was comfortable, informed, and well taken care of. I’ve had the same family doctor for 26 years and I felt just as comfortable with Dr. Venu and Rhonda today as I do with my own family physician.

Your HomeWatchTM

I was scheduled for an MRI and everything went smoothly and quickly! I was called in not even 5 minutes after my appointment time! The technician in the MRI room was really nice and friendly. Would not hesitate to book again and do the drive from Calgary.

Kathleen Boucher

I use CAMIS in Red Deer as a medical professional and as a patient. Yesterday I used it as a patient to have a pain management procedure with Dr. Mann. The fluoroscopy technicians were very friendly and professional and made the whole process quick and efficient. Dr. Mann was funny and took great pride in keeping everything sterile and as pain free as possible. Overall as a patient and medical professional I give CAMIS a big thumbs up.

Jolene

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 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

Impressed with my mammogram appointment today, the lineup went quickly and was efficiently managed. Pam was wonderful, these tests aren’t fun but she was kind, gentle, and has an excellent personality. The ladies at the front desk were also friendly and very knowledgeable and answered all my questions . Thank you for a great experience.

C.P.

We travel 1.5 hours for prenatal ultrasounds to come here instead of the 30mins to the place closest to us due to great experiences with the ultrasound techs in Red Deer, they have all been lovely!

Brooke Zimmer

Locations

Do You Need A Nuclear Medicine Imaging?

Contact our Camis Care team to ask questions and learn more about our nuclear medicine imaging services.