Safety

Are allergic reactions possible?

• Allergies to radiopharmaceuticals are extremely rare. Only trace amounts of the substance are administered, which are quickly broken down. Most patients tolerate the examination without any problems.

What if I have diabetes?

• This is not a problem for most scintigraphies. It is only important to inform the staff what treatment you are taking and when you last ate. They will then tell you whether a slight adjustment to the preparation is necessary.

Will I be radioactive after the examination?

• Yes, briefly, but to a completely safe extent. The radioactive substance breaks down quickly in the body and is excreted. After a few hours, its amount is negligible.

Can the examination be performed on pregnant women?

• During pregnancy, the examination is only performed when absolutely necessary. If you think you may be pregnant, be sure to inform the staff in advance.

Is the examination safe if I have a pacemaker?

• No, it is not. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, scintigraphy is safe even for patients with pacemakers and other implants.

Can the radioactivity harm me?

• No, the doses are very small. To give you an idea, you will receive a dose similar to that of flying across the ocean several times. It is safe and controlled.

Will the examination affect my medication?

• Most medications are not a problem. Only for some special examinations is it necessary to stop taking your medication for a short period of time. Your doctor will inform you about everything.

Can children also undergo the examination?

• Yes. Doses are adjusted for children's age and weight, so they are safe.

What if I am allergic to the contrast agent used in CT scans?

• That is not a problem at all. Radiopharmaceuticals have a completely different composition than CT contrast agents, and allergies are practically non-existent.

Can the examination damage my kidneys or liver?

• No, the dose is too small. The radiopharmaceutical is naturally broken down and excreted from the body.

Will I feel anything when the substance is administered?

• Most people only feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted. You will not feel the substance itself – it has no taste, smell or heat. You will feel completely normal after the injection.

Could I feel unwell after the examination?

• This is very unlikely. Radiopharmaceuticals do not cause nausea or other problems. If you do not feel well after the examination, it is more likely to be due to stress, fatigue or hunger. The staff will of course help you if you feel any nausea.

Will I feel dizzy or weak after the examination?

• No, neither the examination nor the administered substance cause these feelings. Most patients leave the department without any discomfort and continue with their normal day.

Will I feel anything unusual in my body after the examination?

• No, you will not feel anything at all. The radiopharmaceutical does not affect your perception, mood or bodily functions. After the examination, you will feel exactly the same as before.

Will the examination affect my fertility?

• No, the dose of radioactivity is so small that it has no effect on fertility or reproductive organs. You can rest assured.

How long does the radioactivity remain in the body?

• Usually, most of the substance is excreted within 24 hours, with the rest excreted within a few days. Your body breaks it down naturally through urine and stool.

Can I donate blood after the examination?

• Yes, but it is recommended to wait a few days for the radioactivity to be completely eliminated. Your doctor will provide you with accurate information depending on the type of substance that was used.

What if I am pregnant and do not know it?

• If you suspect you may be pregnant, be sure to tell the staff. In such cases, the examination is usually postponed or a different, safer method is chosen.

How often can I undergo the examination?

• As needed. If the examination is necessary, it can be repeated several times a year. The radiation dose is low, and doctors always weigh the benefits and risks.

How much radiation will I receive?

• The radiation dose depends on the type of examination, but it is comparable to a standard X-ray and often lower than a CT scan. Each examination is designed to minimise the dose while providing a high-quality image.

Can the examination cause cancer?

• No, the risk is extremely low. The doses used are so small that a person would have to undergo thousands of such examinations for it to have any impact. Moreover, the benefits of a correct diagnosis far outweigh the theoretical risk.

How do I know when the substance has left my body?

• Most of it is excreted in the urine within 24 hours. If you drink a lot, the process will be accelerated. After two days, there is practically no radioactivity left in the body.