A DaTscan is an NMI test that utilizes the radiopharmaceutical agent 123I ioflupane. This test is performed to differentiate essential tremor from tremor due to Parkinson syndromes (idiopathic Parkinson disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy). 123I ioflupane is injected into the bloodstream and will bind with healthy dopamine-containing neurons.
DaTscan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients, or to iodine.
DaTscan is contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing mothers, and in pediatric patients.
DaTscan is excreted by the kidneys, and patients with severe kidney impairment may have altered DaTscan images.
Advise the patient that they will need to lie still for 40–60 minutes.
Have the patient drink potassium iodine oral solution or potassium perchlorate (400 mg) to block 123I thyroid uptake 1 hour before DaTscan dose.
Administer DaTscan via an IV line.
Imaging will take place 3–6 hours later, typically at 4 hours post injection. To avoid movement artifact, a strip of tape may be placed across the forehead.
Pretest Patient Care
Explain purpose, procedure, benefits, and risks of test.
Advise the patient to wear comfortable clothes.
Assess for contraindications to receiving the test.
Refer to standard NMI pretest precautions.
Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed pretest care.
Posttest Patient Care
Instruct the patient to drink plenty of fluids for at least 2 days following the test.
Refer to standard NMI posttest precautions.
Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed posttest care.
Drugs that bind to the dopamine transporter with high affinity may interfere with the image obtained.