Brain Dopamine Transporter Study (NSKIO)

Introduction

You are receiving this information leaflet because you have been referred for a brain dopamine transporter study, also known as a DATSCAN, in the nuclear medicine department. Nuclear medicine involves the use of small amounts of radioactive tracers to help diagnose and sometimes treat medical conditions. These tests are valuable in identifying a wide range of health conditions. Your referring clinician will have already discussed with you why this test is necessary.

This leaflet aims to provide an overview of your test and answer general questions. A member of our team will explain the procedure in detail when you arrive. If you have any concerns beforehand, please feel free to contact us using the details at the back of the leaflet.

Brain Dopamine Transporter Study (DATSCAN)

A DATSCAN is a type of brain imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show the activity of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. It is mainly used to help doctors distinguish conditions such as Parkinson’s disease from other disorders that can cause similar symptoms.

Will it hurt?

The injection is quick and simple, like a blood test. There are no side effects from the tracer, and no restrictions following the test.

How long will I be in the department?

You should expect your appointment to take at least five hours from arrival to completion of the test.

What to do when you arrive

Upon arrival, please check in at the reception desk located on level 3. Once checked-in, kindly take a seat in the waiting area.

Staff you are likely to meet

Your care will be provided by our specialist team, including nurses, nuclear medicine technologists and radiographers, who will guide you through each step of the procedure.

Preparation for examination

Yes. The following pharmaceuticals can affect the test and should be stopped prior to your appointment:

• Ephedrine (found in some nasal decongestants), ketamine and isoflurane should be stopped 1 day before your appointment.
• Cocaine and methylphenidate should be stopped 2 days before your appointment.
• Methamphetamine, mazindol and modafinil should be stopped 3 days before your appointment.
• Fentanyl (Durogesic D-trans®, Matrifen®, Fencino®, Victanyl®, Yemex®) should be stopped 5 days before your appointment.
• Amphetamine and dexamphetamine should be stopped 7 days before your appointment.
• Bupropion (brand names Wellbutrin® and Zyban®) should be stopped 8 days before your appointment.
• Phentermine (sometimes prescribed for weight loss) should be stopped 14 days before your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about stopping your medications, please contact our department for advice.

You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. Before the scan, you will be asked to remove any metal objects around your head, such as earrings and hearing aids.

If you require mobility assistance, please notify the department in advance so we can accommodate your needs.

Please contact us in advance of your procedure/examination on 01223 217145 if you:

• Have additional requirements that may require a longer appointment
• Are claustrophobic
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Require hospital transport
• Have mobility issues
• Require clarification on your preparation

Benefits

This test provides your doctor information about the dopamine system in your brain, which can help them better understand your symptoms. The scan can help support or rule out conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and may help your doctor reach a more accurate diagnosis and plan the most appropriate care for you.

Risks

You have been referred for a nuclear medicine scan to help make a diagnosis or monitor your treatment. A specialist in radiology agrees that this is the best test to answer the clinical question that has been asked and that the benefit of the examination is greater than the risk. The scan involves a dose of ionising radiation equivalent to a few months or years of natural background radiation which we are all exposed to every day. Ionising radiation can cause cell damage that may turn cancerous however the risk of this happening from your examination is considered very low. The dose delivered will be kept as low as is practicable

What will happen on the day of my scan?

This test involves five stages:

1.Arrival and capsules

After you arrive and take a seat, a member of staff will invite you into a room and explain the test to you in detail. Once you are happy with the information provided and have given your consent to proceed, you will be given two potassium iodide capsules to swallow.

The potassium iodide helps protect your thyroid by preventing it from taking up the radioactive tracer used during the scan. This also helps us obtain clear, high-quality images.

2. Waiting period

There is a waiting period of at least 30 minutes before your injection. This allows time for the potassium iodide capsules to work.

3. Injection

A small amount of radioactive tracer will then be injected into a vein in your arm. The injection should not make you feel any different, and you can continue with your normal activities while you wait for the scan.

4. Waiting period

There is then a further waiting period of approximately 3–4 hours to allow the tracer to reach the brain. During this time, you will be able to leave the department. You will be given a specific time to return for your scan.

5. Imagine Procedure

When you return to the department, your scan will be carried out while you lie on a bed with your head supported in a headrest. The cameras will move close to your head and slowly rotate around you to take the images, which will take approximately 30 minutes. We will ask you to remain as still as possible during the scan to ensure optimal image quality.

Accessibility requirements

If you require support for your appointment, e.g. if you find it hard to hear, see or be understood by others, please let the receptionist or healthcare professional know on arrival or contact us by email or telephone 01223 256998.

Pregnancy status

As a standard precaution, it is normally recommended to avoid radioactive tests during pregnancy. Please note that certain radioactive substances may pass into breast milk in small quantities. If you are currently breastfeeding, or if you know or suspect you may be pregnant, please contact our department in advance to discussion your situation. We also ask that you inform our staff upon arrival so we can ensure your safety and provide appropriate guidance.

We have a legal responsibility to enquire if you are pregnant. Women aged between 12-55 years will be asked if there is a possibility they could be pregnant. This is important for us to know before you have your examination involving ionising radiation. You can discuss this with a healthcare professional in private if you wish.

Can I bring someone with me?

To ensure the safety and comfort of all patients, we kindly request that you limit your companions to one adult during your visit (unless you require additional help with your care). Please note that children (unless they are the patient) and pregnant women are unable to accompany you in the department due to safety precautions. Your companion may be asked to wait outside during your procedure. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Should you require any special assistance, please contact us in advance.

Childcare whilst in department

Staff are unable to look after or supervise children whilst your procedure/examination is taking place. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children whilst you attend for your examination. If you attend an appointment with children with no one to look after them whilst you have your examination, then your appointment will unfortunately have to be cancelled and rescheduled.

Personal belongings

Please keep all your personal belongings with you at all times during your visit as we cannot accept responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged items. Rest assure that you will be able to take these items with you into the scanning rooms.

Travelling abroad?

Please be aware that most airports have sensitive radiation monitors which detect very small amounts of radiation and may detect a residual trace from your test.

We advise you keep and travel with your appointment letter if you are travelling within 14 days after your scheduled scan. If you inform us of your travel, we can provide you with a signed travel letter at your appointment. If residual trace is detected, the airport may have to contact our department as a precaution.

What happens after my procedure/examination?

Once we have verified the quality of your scan and have confirmed we have all the necessary information, you will be able to leave the department. You may resume all normal activities as there no restrictions following this test.

Possible side effects and additional aftercare

This test has no significantly known side effects, and you can resume normal activities right way. There’s no need to avoid contact with others. However, please avoid having blood tests within 24 hours of your test.

How, when and by whom will my results be communicated?

Imaging examinations are reported in order of clinical priority to ensure those with the highest urgency are reported first. Your referring team or clinician will be responsible for communicating reports back to you.

While results are available through MyChart, please note there is a standard 3 week delay between when the examination is reported to when it appears on your portal. This allows your clinical team adequate time to review and act on your results before they are released to you.

Are there any alternative tests?

If this test isn’t suitable for you, please contact your referring clinician to discuss alternatives. They can recommend the best options based on your individual needs.

Contacts/Further information

If you have any queries or cannot make your appointment, please contact the department as soon as possible on 01223 217145.

Opening times: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Facilities available

Our clinic provides a unisex toilet with disability access for your convenience, as well as a dedicated baby changing room and an alternative waiting area for returning patients. Please note that the waiting area and toilet facilities are reserved for radioactive patients only, as part of our safety protocols. If you are not a radioactive patient alternative restroom facilities can be found around the corner in the outpatient department.

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Directions to the department

The nuclear medicine department is located on level 3, at the outpatient end of the hospital.

Question, concern or complaint?

Firstly, speak to your nurse, doctor or other staff member as soon as you can so they can do their best to put things right straightaway.

If you don’t feel able to speak directly to the people caring for you, contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS). Please call 01223 216756 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, via email, or via a form available via link on the CUH PALS webpage.

PALS is open every weekday, and you can leave a message in the evenings and weekends.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on our website.