Preparing for Nuclear Medicine

There is no preparation necessary if you are having a bone scan or lung scan using nuclear medicine imaging.

For a gallbladder, or hepato-billiary scan, please do not eat or drink for 4-6 hours prior to your appointment until after the exam.

If you are having a thyroid scan and are already taking thyroid medication, you must stop taking your medicine for 2 weeks prior to the exam. If you are not taking thyroid medication, no preparation is necessary.

Cardiolite scans require that you stop taking some heart medications 24 hours prior to your nuclear medicine imaging. Please consult with your physician regarding your specific medications. Please do not eat or drink 3-4 hours prior to your appointment until after the exam. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear for the treadmill portion of the exam.