If you are referred for a nuclear medicine (sometimes known as radionuclide imaging – RNI) study, you will be offered an appointment at Frimley Park Hospital based on the earliest availability. Your nuclear medicine scan will be performed by a radiographer or a nuclear medicine technologist. 

Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive materials, known as radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals. The radiotracers are injected, inhaled or ingested, then after a certain period of time has passed, the radiation is detected using a gamma camera to create images, allowing us to visualise the body’s functions, structures and functional changes from certain diseases. 

For information on how to prepare for your procedure, what to expect, and any associated risks or aftercare, please refer to your appointment letter, or the relevant procedure information letter below.

If you require someone to assist you during your scan, please refer to the carers and comforters information leaflets below. 

Your study will be interpreted by a radiologist (doctor specialising in medical imaging), who will report the results to your referring doctor. This takes up to 14 days.

If you have been referred from an outpatient clinic then you will receive your results at your next clinic appointment. 

If your child is having a nuclear medicine scan, you may find the links below particularly useful to help prepare your child and let them know what to expect.

We image children regularly in our department, and our team of radiographers are experienced in helping to ensure your child’s experience with Radiology is a positive one. 

More information