Octreoscan Study

Information for our Nuclear Medicine Patients

* Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

(Octreoscan Whole Body Images)

Overview

This test is used to locate the site(s) of neuroendocrine tumor(s).

Indications

Localization of neuroendocrine tumors:

Carcinoid tumors

Insulinomas

Paragangliomas

Gastrinomas

Pheochromocytomas

Neuroblastomas

Glucagonomas

Functioning and non-functioning anterior pituitary tumors

Small cell lung cancers

Selection of patients with carcinoid and other tumors who are likely to benefit from octreotide therapy

Octreoscan Study

An Octreoscan study involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.

You will be positioned next to a special detector called a gamma camera. The camera does not produce any radiation. It will be placed close to the part of your body being imaged.

Patient Preparation

Discontinue taking Somatostatin (Octreotide) 24-48 hours before injection. Discontinue radiation therapy. Notify your physician if you have a cold or the flu. Drink plenty of fluids prior to the test. Mag Citrate the night before the scans (promotes bowel cleansing of the radioactive tracer).

Procedure

You will visit the department 3 times. On the first visit, a small amount of radioactive material will be injected into a vein in your arm. On your second visit (4 hours later), painless images will be obtained. Your third visit (24 hours) will be for delayed images.

You may need to return at 48 hours for additional images.

Further Information

Contact Terre Haute Medical Laboratory Nuclear Medicine at 812.238.7542