The following information should be obtained before diagnostic nuclear imaging:
Pregnancy (confirmed or suspected): Pregnancy is a contraindication for most nuclear imaging.
Lactating women may be advised to stop nursing for a set period (e.g., 2–3 days with 99mTc). Most radiopharmaceuticals are excreted in the mother’s milk.
Radiopharmaceutical uptake from a recent nuclear medicine examination could interfere with interpretation of the current study.
The presence of any prostheses in the body must be recorded on the patient’s history because certain devices can shield the gamma rays from imaging.
Current medications, treatments, and diagnostic measures (e.g., telemetry, oxygen, urine collection, IV lines).
Age and current weight: This information is used to calculate the radiopharmaceutical dose to be administered. If the patient is younger than 18 years, notify the examining department before testing. The amount of radioactive substance administered is adjusted downward for anyone younger than 18 years.
Allergies: Past history of allergies, especially to contrast substances (e.g., iodine) used in diagnostic procedures.