|
What is a Sodium
Fluoride (NaF) PET Bone Scan?
A PET Bone Scan is much more
sensitive and specific than a traditional Tc-99m Bone Scan.
OCMRI-PET/CT utilizes the latest innovative technologies and
methodologies to produce highly sensitive and specific bone
scan exams.
Fluorine-18 ion has been used
as a skeletal imaging agent for many years. It has a high
lesion to normal bone ratio and is rapidly cleared from soft
tissues and blood giving a high bone to background ratio.
Sodium Fluoride (NaF) Bone Scan is used to increase the likelihood
of detecting subtle abnormalities which are missed on the
Tc-99m bone scan. A whole body scan is used as a screen for
metastatic disease.
Bone
Scan Images
Whole Body
Images courtesy of GE Medical Systems, Inc. http://www.gemedicalsystems.com
Preparation
for the Exam
There is no advanced preparation
needed for your Sodium Fluoride (NaF) PET bone scan. You may follow your normal diet
and take any scheduled medications. Wear something comfortable
with no metal (no zippers, etc.).
Drink plenty of liquids the
night before and the day of the exam.
If you have had previous diagnostic
studies (Bone scan, X-ray) of the body part being evaluated,
please bring those films and reports, or request they be sent
to the center. These studies or reports are very helpful to
the radiologist interpreting your Sodium Fluoride (NaF) PET Bone Scan.
Tell your doctor or the technologist:
If you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Exam Time
It is a two part exam. After
you are injected with the isotope, you will be asked to return
after 90 minutes. After that the scan lasts approximately
45-60 minutes.
During the Test
When you arrive at OCMRI, you
will be asked about your medical history. You will then be
given an injection of a radioactive tracer. If you think you
might be pregnant, please inform the technologist before you
are given any injection. The technologist will ask you to
return to OCMRI approximately 1 1/2 hours later. This time
is needed for the tracer to localize into your bones. When
you return, you will be asked to empty your bladder. This
is done so that the pelvic and hip bones will show up clearly.
You will be asked to lie down on a table to be scanned and
images of your skeleton will be taken.
After the Test
You may resume your normal activities
and diet. The injection you were given is not harmful and
will become non-radioactive within hours.
Results
A radiologist will review your
bone scan and results will be sent to the ordering physician
within 24 hours. Your physician can then explain to you what
the findings mean.
Special Preparations
These are general guidelines.
Please contact OCMRI prior to your appointment for detailed
instructions.
To inquire about the life-capturing
benefits of OCMRI's diagnostic imaging services
714-957-0317
E-Mail - ocmri@ocmri.com
Orange County
MRI-PET-CT
17150 Euclid Street, Suite
101, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
|
