Parathyroid Scan

What is a Parathyroid Scan

A Parathyroid scan is performed to localise possible parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

What are the benefits of a Parathyroid Scan

• Specifically identify a functioning adenoma
• Non-invasive
• Bulk-billed*

What are the risks of a Parathyroid Scan

• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Breastfeeding must be ceased for 24 hours after the test to allow time for the radioactive tracer to decay and exit the body

Preparation

• Advise booking staff of all medications, especially thyroid related medication
• No CT with iodine contrast 4 weeks prior to the scan

How long does a Parathyroid Scan take

• This is a two part test
• We require you to be in the department for around 1.5hrs for your initial appointment time
• You will return around 3 hours after your initial appointment time to have delayed imaging, this part will take around 1 hour
• You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer, for both stages of imaging

The Parathyroid Scan procedure

Part 1: You will be positioned under the Gamma Camera and given a small injection of a radioactive tracer. This injection shouldn’t make you feel any different and allows images to be taken of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Images are commenced at the time of injection and are taken for approximately 60 minutes. You will then be sent away for a period of time (approximately 2 hours) during which time you can go about normal activity (including eating, drinking, driving your car etc).

Part 2: When you return, additional images of your neck will be acquired, along with a second injection of radioactive tracer. This part takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

After your Parathyroid scan

There are usually no after effects from a parathyroid scan.

It is recommended that you minimise close contact with others (especially babies and small children) for up to 4 hours.

What happens to my results, Images and report

All images for your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal soon after your examination is complete. A report that includes a link to your study will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP Imaging will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Normal and abnormal studies are both important for your management and PRP Imaging encourages you to return to your doctor for review of the results.