Preparing for your Radio Isotope Scan

• Please arrive 20 minutes before the appointment time to complete paperwork.
• Previous scans (MRI, CT, X-Ray or U/S), not done with Lake, Smit & Partners, must be brought with you on the day of the scan (either a CD or printed copy).
• You will be asked to read and complete an informed consent form. Lake, Smit and Partners complies with all the regulations of the Medical Control Council, and some of the pharmaceuticals are not available in South Africa. We are therefore required to import relevant pharmaceuticals and for this reason a progress and consent form will need to be signed.
• Some scans will require a preparation that might require you to fast and to stop all medication. You will be informed of this at the time of booking and a scan preparation sheet will be provided.
• Wear comfortable clothing for your imaging procedure.
• The procedure can take between 1 and 5 hours. You will be advised at the time of booking how long your procedure will take. Selected procedures may need a 24 to 48-hour imaging. You will be informed of this when you make your booking.

Additional and relevant information

Please tell your Radiographer before the scan if any of the following apply to you:

• If you have had any previous imaging done where you were given a contrast media;
• You are on any medication;
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What to expect during your Radio Isotope Scan

• You will be given an IV injection/oral administration of the radio-pharmaceutical before the scan.
• You will be asked to lie on a movable scanning table.
• There are 2 cameras and the table will move between them.
• Long examinations require multiple interval scans and you will need to get on and off the scanning table between the scans.
• The radiographer will be able to communicate with you at all times.

Waiting for your results

The images are interpreted by a Specialist Nuclear Physician and it usually takes between 1 and 2 hours for the report to be completed. There may be a further delay of up to 24 hours, depending on the degree of complexity and time required for the report to be completed. Once it is completed, the report will be forwarded to your referring doctor.