Scintigraphy/osteoscintigraphy

Scintigraphy is a method of functional imaging, which consists in obtaining an image by recording radiation after the introduction of radioactive isotopes into the body.

Osteoscintigraphy (skeletal bone scintigraphy) is a screening method for diagnosing secondary (metastatic) bone damage. The study is carried out using osteotropic radiopharmaceutical drugs (RPLP) labeled with technetium [^99m Tc].

How to prepare for osteoscintigraphy:

• special preparation for the study is not required;
• it is allowed to take prescribed medications;
• come to the department in comfortable clothes, if possible, without metal elements (zippers, clasps, metal buttons, belt, suspenders), without jewelry (earrings, piercings, chains, bracelets, watches, etc.);
• strictly 2-3 weeks after completion of chemotherapy, in order to avoid false positive results.

What documents are needed for osteoscintigraphy?

On the day of the study you need to have with you:

• passport;
• the original of the MHI policy;
• results of previous studies in other medical institutions (in the absence of data in the EMIAS system), including conclusions (CT, MRI, PET/CT, SPECT/CT, scintigraphy, etc.), including on electronic media (CD/DVD discs or USB drive with DICOM files);
• if necessary, take with you: diapers, urological / gynecological pads (immediately before the study you will need to change to new ones).

HOW IS THE STUDY GOING?

Conducting research

• The total time spent in the department will be at least 3-4 hours.
• It is necessary to appear at the registry office of the department on the 1st floor of the 1st building sector 1B at the strictly appointed time.
• After completing the necessary documentation at the registry, the nurse will take you to the treatment room for the introduction of RFLP.
• After the introduction of osteotropic RFLP based on [99mTc], the nurse will take you to the rest room, where you need to stay for about 3 hours (this time interval is required for the distribution of RFLP).
• Immediately before the osteoscintigraphy, the nurse will ask you to empty your bladder (if necessary, change diapers, pads). We ask you to remove all accessories: chains, crosses, watches, glasses, belts, suspenders; get out of your pockets: coins, lighters, mobile phone, handkerchiefs, then the nurse will lay on the tomograph table.
• The osteoscintigraphy procedure takes about 20-25 minutes in the supine position, all this time it is necessary to lie motionless on the tomograph table in order to avoid artifacts that may make it difficult or impossible for a radiologist to describe the results of the study.
• After completing the study, you can leave the department.

After conducting the study.

• After the study, you will not pose any danger to others and should not experience any household or other inconveniences, however, within 24-48 hours after the introduction of osteotropic RFLP based on [99mTc], the following recommendations should be observed:
• limit close contact with young children and pregnant women.
• If necessary, upon request, on the day of osteoscintigraphy, a certificate confirming the introduction of RFLP is issued – if on the day of the study you plan to use an intercity bus, railway or air transport.

When will I get the results?

The conclusion will be uploaded to the EMIAS system within 1 business day after the procedure.