Nuclear medicine scan
The only private hospital in Kent to offer specialist nuclear medicine procedures, that help to identify conditions in the earliest stages.A nuclear medicine scan is a safe and painless procedure that uses a radioactive tracer to highlight the parts of the body that need to be examined in more detail. This can provide information and identify abnormalities within the very early stages of disease that often cannot be obtained by other forms of imaging or scans.
You will need to have been referred for an Nuclear medical scan by a qualified healthcare professional, such as your GP, consultant, an osteopath or a physiotherapist. If you think you need an Nuclear medical scan but don’t have a referral yet, our team are happy to assist you by offering you an appointment with a Private GP or Physical Therapist, who will be able to determine whether or not you need a scan and recommend an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Comprehensive diagnosis that delivers fast results
A radioactive tracer is a substance with a small amount of radioactivity that is usually injected into the bloodstream within your arm but can also be inhaled or swallowed. A special type of camera, called a Gamma Camera, is used to detect the radiation being emitted from the area under examination.
Common procedures performed include analysing kidney function and drainage, evaluating bones for fractures and bone disease, imaging blood flow and function of the heart and lungs, brain scanning for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s and locating the presence of infection by white cell scanning. It is also used to highlight internal structures of the body prior to surgery.
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
Consultants
Imaging & Diagnostics FAQs
What should I expect from a nuclear scan?
Nuclear medicine imaging is mostly performed as an outpatient procedure, so you do not need to stay in the hospital overnight.
The Radioisotope is usually given via an injection into your arm, much like a blood test. Images are taken straight away or within a few hours, but the exact timings will be discussed with you when your scan is booked.
During most nuclear medicine examinations, you will lie down on a scanning couch. The area being scanned is then placed underneath the camera heads. They will come close, but they will not touch you and you will not feel anything from them. The camera heads either move around you in a circular motion or scan your body with one camera head placed above and the other beneath you. You are not completely closed-in during the scan, but you will need to remain quite still.
If any special instructions are necessary, you will be informed by the Radiographer or Nuclear Medicine Technologist before leaving the Nuclear Medicine department.
Following the scan, depending on the type of tracer that you have been injected with, you may be advised to refrain from coming into contact with pregnant women or young children for 24 hours after the scan. The Radiographer or Nuclear Medicine Technologist undertaking the scan will advise you on this at the point of the scan.
What happens if the scan detects an issue?
Your Consultant will be able to discuss the results of your scan in a follow-up consultation and advise whether further diagnostic procedures or treatment are needed.
If you need to book further appointments for treatment, your Consultant will be able to help you with this.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.