About RBC Nuclear Scan
RBC nuclear scan is a diagnostic procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive material to assess the blood flow through a part of the body. It may be used to look for internal bleeding, such as from the colon or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
The test if performed in a hospital or radiology center. During the RBC nuclear scan, a person’s red blood cells are tagged with a radioactive material. A special camera is used to track the movement of the radioactive material in the bloodstream. This allows healthcare professionals to identify abnormal blood flow or bleeding.
Overall, RBC nuclear scan plays an important role in helping healthcare professionals to identify if a person has active internal bleeding and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
The healthcare provider will provide instructions to prepare for a RBC nuclear scan. They will explain the procedure to you, including the risks associated with the radioactive material used in the procedure, and ask you to sign a consent form. Let the healthcare provider know If you have questions about the procedure or any pre-procedure instructions.
In general, the healthcare provider may need information from you about:
- Pregnancy or Breast-feeding: If you are or may be pregnant or breast-feeding, it’s important to inform the healthcare provider. Scans involving radioactive material are usually not recommended for during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
- Medications: Just like with other medical procedures, it's important to inform the healthcare provider about any medications you are taking. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on whether you need to stop taking any medications before the scan.
- Allergies: It's always a good idea to let your doctor know if you have any allergies. Although reactions to the radiotracer used in the scan are rare, it's best to inform your doctor about any allergies you have and if you have had previous reactions with nuclear medicine scans.
The healthcare provider may provide instruction about:
- Fasting: Depending on the reason for the scan, the healthcare provider may provide instruction to fast for a certain period of time before the RBC nuclear scan. This means you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a specific number of hours before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will provide you with clear instructions on how long you should fast, it it is needed.
- Jewelry: On the day of the scan, it's advisable not to wear any jewelry. Metal objects can interfere with the scan results, so it's best to remove them and leave them at home before the procedure.
- Transport Home: If the healthcare provider anticipates you may be given a sedative for the procedure, they will let you know to arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
It's important to note that these instructions may vary depending on your specific situation and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. It's always a good idea to talk with your doctor about any special instructions or concerns you may have before undergoing an RBC nuclear scan.
During an RBC nuclear scan, several health professionals may be involved in performing the procedure. Here is a general description of how a RBC nuclear scan is done:
- The person undergoing the RBC nuclear scan will be asked to lie down on an examination table in a hospital or specialized clinic.
- A healthcare professional will insert an IV line into a vein in the person's arm. There may be pain when the needle is inserted into the vein. This IV line is used to administer a tracer, which is a radioactive substance.
- Sometimes the tracer is injected directly into the vein.
- Sometimes a small amount of blood is removed from the vein and the radioactive substance is mixed with the blood. The blood with the radioactive tracer is then returned to the person in the IV.
- Once the tracer has been given enough time to circulate in the blood stream, a special type of imaging camera is used to detect the location and amount of radiation given off by the tagged cells. Depending on the reason for the RBC nuclear scan, the camera may be moved to different areas of the body.
- The images are stored on a computer to be reviewed by the radiology specialist. The radiology specialist will provide a report of the results to the doctor.
After the RBC nuclear scan, a person can generally resume their regular activities without needing a specific recovery period. However, it is important for them to check with their doctor to confirm this. The radioactive tracer used in the scan will naturally exit the body over time.
If the person received a sedative during the scan, they will need to avoid certain activities for at least 24 hours to allow the sedative to fully wear off. These activities include:
- Driving
- Operating heavy machinery
- Drinking alcohol
Contact the doctor if the skin surrounding the site where the IV needle was inserted becomes painful, bruised, or turns red. They may need to check for bleeding or infection at the site.
After the scan, the person will make an appointment with their doctor to discuss the results and any necessary next steps. This follow-up appointment allows the doctor to provide further guidance based on the scan results.
Test results for RBC nuclear scan are considered when the radioactive substance does not flow out of the blood vessels. This indicates there is no site of internal bleeding.
Abnormal results are seen when the scan shows radioactive substance flow or collection outside of the normal blood flow. This indicates a site of internal bleeding.
Further testing may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss them with you in detail. They may recommend additional diagnostic procedures or consultations with specialists to gain a more definite understanding of your condition.