Nuclear medicine is a medical imaging specialty that involves the use of radiopharmaceuticals (also known as radioactive medicines or tracer medicines) for diagnostic imaging (scans), therapy and research. Nuclear medicine imaging combines the use of tracer medicines and gamma cameras (cameras that can detect the gamma radiation that the tracer medicine emits), to provide images that can see inside the body. While nuclear medicine scans involve radiation exposure (like with X-rays and CT-scans), the exposure is limited as much as possible. 

Why does my child need a nuclear medicine scan?

Nuclear medicine scans are performed for many different reasons, including: 

• to see how different organs in the body are functioning 
• to look at the shape or structure of parts of the body 
• for early detection, treatment, and management of diseases. 

Nuclear medicine scans can be performed on most organs of the body, and are commonly used to examine the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and brain. They can also be used to examine bones.

Nuclear Medicine studies routinely performed at RCH include: 

• Bone scan
• Mag3 renal scan
• DMSA renal scan
• Gastric emptying and gastro-intestinal transit studies
• Thyroid scan and therapy
• Brain perfusion (epilepsy)
• GFR renal studies
• MIBG whole body imaging

Preparing your child for their appointment

For some ideas on how to prepare your child for the procedure, and tips on distracting them and helping them stay calm during the procedure, see our fact sheet Reducing your child's discomfort during procedures.

It may be helpful to your child if the procedure is explained to them before they come in for their important. Explain that: 

• the scans do not take long
• the scans are painless
• a parent or carer can stay with the child during the scan.

Most children can watch a movie while having their scans, and you are welcome to bring in a smartphone, tablet, or your child's favourite movie or TV show to keep your child occupied and distracted during the scan. 

Specialist staff from Child Life Therapy may also be of benefit for your child. The Child Life Therapist engages families in imaging-specific education and medical play, as well as providing distraction and support during procedures. Appointments for Child Life Therapist support can be made in advance via Medical Imaging or your referring doctor.

What to expect with a nuclear medicine scan

Before the procedure

Preparation for a nuclear medicine examination depends on the type of scan your child is having, and your child’s individual needs. Some scans require fasting for the actual imaging sequences, and others require fasting for sedation – please confirm with your individual instructions at the time of booking. Distraction techniques are utilised for all scans for all age patients in nuclear medicine.

If your child requires an injection, topical anaesthesia will be applied to the injection site to make it numb – this can be in the form of a cream or via Coolsense^® – a hand-held device that uses cryotherapy to numb the area. Cream usually takes over 45 minutes to work, so you will be asked to attend the department earlier than your scheduled appointment time. You will be advised if you need to do this when you are given your appointment.   

Whether or not your child needs sedation depends on the type of scan they are having and their individual circumstances. In cases where a child is unable to remain still enough or they are very anxious or distressed, sedation may be required. Your child will be assessed to ensure sedation is suitable for them. Typical studies that may require sedation include bone scans, MIBG whole body scans and brain scans, and this is usually required for younger children.

See our fact sheet Sedation for procedures.

During the procedure

You and your child will be invited into the camera room by a technologist and the procedure will be explained. Your child will then be positioned on the scanning bed. Seat belts may be placed around your child to help them remain still, as well as for safety purposes as the scanning bed is quite narrow and can move.  

Your child will be administered the tracer medicine, which is given by: 

• intravenous (IV) needle (the most common method) 
• oral drink 
• oral tablet

The imaging can take place after the tracer has been administered. It may involve the camera moving slowly over or around your child's whole body, or a specific area of their body. Your child is required to keep quite still whilst the camera is taking images.  

The average time for a nuclear medicine examination is 30–45 minutes, but there may be multiple scans or sequences required over a longer period of time. 

After the scan 

Usually you will be able to leave straight after the completion of the scan sequences, unless your child has had sedation. If your child had sedation, they will be required to remain under the care of the department nurse until they have recovered appropriately.  

A report will be prepared by the Nuclear Medicine Specialist and sent to the referring doctor. The report is usually available within a few days but can be received earlier if required. If you have any questions about why your child needs a nuclear medicine scan, or questions about the results of your scan, please speak to your doctor.

Nuclear medicine scan with general anaesthetic 

Some nuclear medicine scans need to be performed while your child is asleep under a general anaesthetic. This is quite rare, but may be required if sedation will not be effective for your child and their scan. If your child does need a general anaesthetic for their scan, you will be given specific instructions for what to do before the scan, including fasting requirements.  

Key points to remember 

• Nuclear medicine scans use tracer medicines and gamma cameras to provide images of organs and bones inside the body
• Some scans require fasting for the actual imaging sequences, and others require fasting for sedation
• Your child will be lying on a scanning bed and has to keep very still during the procedure
• Sedation may be required for children who are unable to remain still enough, or who are very scared. This is more common for scans whole body scans in younger children
• The scans are painless, and if an injection is required your child can have numbing solution applied to the injection site

For more information

• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Reducing your child's discomfort during procedures
• Be Positive: A child's guide to hospital: Nuclear medicine scan
• The Royal Children's Hospital: Okee in Medical Imaging app
• Child Life Therapy Service: Medical Imaging
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Sedation for procedures 
• Radiation fact sheet: Ionising Radiation and Health
• Talk to your doctor or the nuclear medicine staff

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Nuclear Medicine department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed November 2018.

This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.