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How you prepare for your procedure depends on the type of scan scheduled and the specific study, or studies, your doctor has requested. Please check your specific procedure to find more detailed preparation instructions.
Thyroid Uptake Scan:
The Thyroid Uptake Scan measures the function, size, structure, and location of the thyroid.
Before the scan, you must tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have had a CT or X-ray with contrast media in the last two months. You must not take thyroid medicines for one month before the scan.
Hepatobiliary Scan/HIDA Scan:
This study is performed to determine how well the liver excretes bile, how open the bile ducts are, and the function of the gallbladder for possible obstruction or malfunction.
Preparation: Do not eat or drink anything 4 to 6 hours before, or take morphine or morphine-based medication for 12 hours before the scan.
Bone Scan:
This procedure is used to diagnose bone diseases, such as tumors, fractures, and infection. The scan is more capable than X-ray to diagnose early-stage bone disease.
Preparation: There is no preparation for a bone scan, but you should drink plenty of fluids after the injection to clear material from your muscles and other soft tissue.
Gastric Emptying Study:
A gastric emptying study measures the rate at which the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine. This study may be ordered for those with unexpected weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.
Preparation: You should fast for at least 8 hours before the procedure.
Heart Scan:
This study may be used to detect blockages in the heart walls and to measure overall heart function and movement.
Preparation: You should avoid caffeine and smoking for 24 hours before the scan, and should not eat anything after midnight the night before the scan. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Your physician may instruct you to stop taking your beta blocker medicine (blood pressure medicine) 24 hours before your heart scan.
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