Parathyroid Scan

A parathyroid scan is a safe and painless procedure used to evaluate the parathyroid glands for abnormalities. It also is used to evaluate the cause of hypercalcemia and increased parathyroid hormone levels.

What to Bring

• Your medical provider order (Your medical provider may have already sent this to us.)
• Personal ID
• Insurance card

How to Prepare

• You should fast 4 hours before the test.
• Please inform the imaging technologist if you are pregnant or think you might be 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 imaging technologist will explain the test and answer any questions you might 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.
• Afterward, 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 to 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 will be sent to your medical provider. Your medical provider will discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Scheduling at (985) 230-7777 between 7 am and 5:30 pm.

If you are a provider and need to send an order, please fax it to (985) 230-6781.