FAQ


Browse our list of commonly asked questions:

Can I come and get what's left of my specimen when you're through with it?

Why can't I get my results from you when I call? After all, I'm paying the bill.

What's the difference between a hysterectomy and a partial hysterectomy?

What should I do to prepare for my pap smear?

Why did I receive a bill when I have insurance?

What is Nuclear Medicine? 

Is Nuclear Medicine Safe? 

How is the radioactive material (or isotope) administered?

What do the isotopes do?

Will the nuclear medicine scan make me radioactive?

Do Nuclear Medicine scans hurt?

Will the isotopes make me glow in the dark?

May I eat or take my regular medications?



  • Can I come and get what's left of my specimen when you're through with it?
    • Generally not because the specimens are fixed in 10% formalin which is a known hazardous chemical. 
  • Why can't I get my results from you when I call? After all, I'm paying the bill.
    • Legally, we can give results only to the clinician who ordered the test, or who is currently caring for the patient. Pathology reports are only one portion of the multitude of information your clinician needs to render proper treatment.
  • What's the difference between a hysterectomy and a partial hysterectomy?
    • A total hysterectomy means that the uterus and cervix have been removed. In the case of a partial hysterectomy, the cervical stump remains.
  • What should I do to prepare for my pap smear?
    • Schedule your appointment during the mid-cycle of your menstrual periods.
    • Refrain from sexual intercourse and douching for 24 hours before your appointment.
    • Know the first day of your last menstrual period.
    • Inform your clinician if you are taking any hormones or have had any abnormal pap smears in the past.
    • Inform your clinician if you have experienced any abnormal bleeding.
  • Why did I receive a bill when I have insurance?
    • It is possible that your insurance information was not properly conveyed to us. Contact the billing department as soon as possible so we can remedy the situation for you.
  • What is Nuclear Medicine? 
    • It is the use of very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose -- and sometimes treat -- disease. Nuclear Medicine provides--
      • accurate images of the internal organs and tissues
      • measurements of the organ and tissue function
      • and in some cases, a way of fighting disease.
  • Is Nuclear Medicine Safe? 
    • Yes! Only tiny amounts of radioactive material are used. And, those amounts are radioactive for only a short period of time. 
    • Nuclear medicine carries about the same amount of risk as a normal X-ray.
  • How is the radioactive material (or isotope) administered?
    • injection or IV
    • capsules
    • special tubing
    • inhalation
  • What do the isotopes do?
    • The isotopes are matched with different compounds so that they will travel to specific organs or tissues--they target the organs or tissues.
    • The isotopes give off gamma rays which can only be seen with  special equipment; just as X-rays can only be seen with the X-ray cameras.
  • Will the nuclear medicine scan make me radioactive?
    • Yes, for a short while...
      • the isotopes are given in very small amounts
      • they lose their radioactivity very quickly
      • they pass out of the body quickly, usually within 24 hours
  • Do Nuclear Medicine scans hurt?
    • Other than the minor discomfort of a needle stick, the scans are painless.
  • Will the isotopes make me glow in the dark?
    • No
  • May I eat or take my regular medications?
    • This will depend on which scan you are scheduled for. It is best that you contact the Nuclear Medicine Clinic before your scan for information.