Parathyroid Scan

A Parathyroid Scan (aka PTH Scan) evaluates the parathyroid glands for abnormalities. It also evaluates the cause of hypercalcemia and increased parathyroid hormone levels.

What to Bring

• Your physician order (your physician may have already sent this to us)
• Personal ID
• Insurance Cards

How to Prepare

• You should fast 4 hours prior to the test.
• Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant.
• If you wear an on-body device (insulin pump, insulin regulators, Neulasta, other chemo/insulin devices, etc.), you must inform your technologist.

What to Expect

• The technologist will explain the test and answer any questions you may have.
• You will be given a small amount of radioactive tracer (the imaging agent) in your vein. There are no side effects to the injection.
• You will be placed in our waiting room for 15-30 minutes to allow the imaging agent to circulate.
• After, you will be lying down on a cushioned table for a 10-minute scan.
• You will then be instructed to leave, eat and return approximately 1.5-2 hours later for “delayed” images that will take approximately 45 minutes.

After the Exam

• Your study will be reviewed by a Radiologist and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you.