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HOME | ABOUT | SERVICES | HEALTH INFO | RESEARCH | PATIENTS + VISITORS | CAREERS | MEDIA | SUPPORT WCH |
NUCLEAR MEDICINEWelcome to the Department of Nuclear Medicine,Women's and Children's Hospital.
Our aim is to make the experience as pleasant as possiblefor you and your child, while obtaining the informationfrom the study that your doctor requires.
What is Nuclear Medicine?Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty that uses very small amounts of radioactive substances, or "tracers", to diagnose or treat disease. It is a form of imaging of the body, as are x-ray and ultrasound. Nuclear Medicine scans are able to provide information on the function or structure of different parts of the body. It is used in people of all ages. The scans are performed using radioactive tracers. These tracers can be given several different ways. Usually the tracers are given via a small injection into a vein. Sometimes the tracer is given orally or introduced directly into the bladder using a small catheter. Treatment of some diseases is a small, but important, part of Nuclear Medicine practice.
How Safe is Nuclear Medicine?Nuclear Medicine tests are extremely safe. The tracers that are commonly used are quickly eliminated from the body through its natural functions, such as going to the toilet. In addition, the tracers used rapidly lose their radioactivity. Due to the use of modern equipment and techniques the radiation level is very low and side effects or reactions to the tracers are very uncommon.
How is a Nuclear Medicine Scan Performed?The scans are performed using a special camera, called a gamma camera. The tracer given to your child concetrates in the particular body organ under investigation. As it travels it continuously gives off invisible gamma rays. The camera detects these rays and forms pictures of particular organs as they function in your child's body.
Your child will need to lie very still on the scanning table for the pictures. Your child can watch television or a video to help pass the time. A small selection of toys, books and videos are available, however, please feel free to bring any favorite toys or videos from home. A parent or guardian is encouraged to stay during the scan, however the number of people present should be kept to a minimum. Other children will not be allowed into the scan room. You may wish to use the hospital's creche. Any person staying with a child having a Nuclear Medicine scan, or a person having a scan themselves must inform the Nuclear Medicine staff if they are or think they might be pregnant or are breast feeding. It may be necessary to stop breast feeding for a period of time. The Nuclear Medicine staff should be consulted before the scan is commenced.
Does it Hurt?As many studies require an injection, we use AnGel anaesthetic cream to minimise discomfort. The AnGel cream takes the "ouch" out of the injection and causes less distress to the child. The cream is applied 45 minutes before the study is due to begin. When the booking is made you will be given the AnGel time as well as the study time. It is important that you arrive on time to ensure the cream has the best chance of working properly.
Is Any Preparation Needed?Generally there is no special preparation needed. You will be advised at the time of booking if there is any special preparation required. Some studies require your child to be very still. This is difficult for many young children. For children under three it may be necessary to give sedation (sleeping medicine) to keep them still enough for the scan. For certain studies you will be given instructions for your child to fast (not eat or drink) from a certain time before the study. This will enable us to give the sedation if it is required.
Studies Performed
How to access the serviceA referral letter, or request form, is required from your doctor prior to booking any scan. Medical Imaging request forms are available from the Administrative staff by contacting (08) 8161 6639. An appointment should be made for all studies. Appointments may be made by telephoning Central Bookings on (08) 8161 6055 or Nuclear Medicine on (08) 8161 6020.
Hours of OperationMonday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Weekends/Public Holidays Closed except for emergency studies.
Nuclear Medicine StaffMedical StaffHead - Paediatric Nuclear Medicine Dr Sunil Gupta (Fri) TechnologistsTeam Leader Ms Tracy Benger Ms Jeanelle Farmilo Ms Cathy Munn Location Division of Medical Imaging Level 2, Rogerson Building. ContactsNuclear Medicine Bookings: (08) 8161 6055 Enquiries: (08) 8161 6020 Fax: (08) 8161 6333 Email cywhs.minmtl@cywhs.sa.gov.au
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