WHAT IS A PARATHYROID SCAN?

A Nuclear Medicine Parathyroid Scan is used to identify and localise primary hyperparathyroidism (over active parathyroid gland).

The test can also be called a MIBI Parathyroid Scan or Sestamibi Parathyroid Scan.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PARATHYROID SCAN?

Part 1. When you arrive you will be given a small injection of a radiotracer. The injection should not make you feel any different. You will then have approximately 20-30 minutes of scans. You will then be sent away for approximately 2 hours. In this time you can eat and drink, and drive the car as normal.

Part 2. Imaging staff will now take a second set of images of your Parathyroid Glands. This will take approximately 20-30 minutes.

HOW LONG DOES A PARATHYROID SCAN TAKE?

The test can take up to 3 hours.

PREPARATION REQUIRED FOR A PARATHYROID SCAN?

• Please make staff aware if you think you maybe pregnant or if you are breast-feeding prior to making an appointment.
• You may be asked to cease certain medications prior to your scan.                    
• If you have had a CT Scan or an Angiogram in the last 6 weeks please inform the Imaging Staff prior to your appointment.                  
• Please bring previous scans which  relate to your Parathyroid Glands.
• Please eat and drink normally on the day of you scan.

WHEN WILL MY DOCTOR RECEIVE MY RESULTS?

Your Referring Doctor will receive your results within 48hrs.