A nuclear medicine scan is a way of taking images of your body. Before we can take these images, we need to give you an injection called a tracer. This is a substance with a small amount of radioactivity that highlights the part of the body we need to see in more detail.

What are the risks?

Most medical procedures and tests have some level of risk. However, it is important to know that we would not recommend a procedure or test if we did not believe the benefits outweigh any risk to your health.

The tracer is a substance with a small amount of radioactivity. 

Please ask us if you would like more information about radiation. You could also visit the Health Protection Agency's website.

Female patients

If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, please tell us before your scan. Even small amounts of radiation can harm unborn babies.

If you are breastfeeding, you can still have the scan, but it is important that you contact us for advice before you come in for the scan.

People with diabetes

You do not need to change your diet or treatment, but please remember not to have any food or drink that contains caffeine. Please bring your insulin and any snacks as needed.