Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is nuclear medicine safe?

Nuclear medicine is safe for both general patients and more specifically children, as well as pregnant women. It is widely available and practiced in developed countries and available in a few developing countries. The procedures are administered by specialist physicians and professionals, specifically trained and registered for this purpose. it uses small amounts of radioactivities, sufficient to extract the needed clinical information or to cause a treatment effect. At all times, the benefits far outweigh any possible risks.

What is nuclear medicine used for and what are its benefits?

Nuclear medicine is a versatile medical specialty that offers valuable insights into the functioning of internal organs, aiding in both diagnosis and treatment across various conditions. It plays a pivotal role in assessing heart diseases such as myocardial ischemia, infarction, and heart failure, among others, and evaluating the functionality of vital organs like the brain, kidneys, lungs, and thyroid, for the purpose of disease detection, as well as pinpointing tumor location and monitoring their progression before and after treatment.

What are the general patient preparation Instructions?

Please click on the provided link to access our detailed Imaging Procedure Guidelines or Theraphy Procedure Guidelines. These guidelines contain information about specific procedures, including key patient preparation. If you have any further questions, please contact us at +264 61 225 119 (Windhoek) or +264 64 461 457 (Swakopmund). To send us an e-mail, click here.

How does nuclear medicine work?

Initially, a radiotracer is administered to you either orally through a pill, via injection or as a gas. Radiotracers emit gamma rays, which are captured by a specialized gamma camera. The acquired data is processed, analyzed, and interpreted by nuclear medicine physicians, and a comprehensive clinical feedback report is issued to your doctor.

Will I be radioactive after a nuclear medicine scan?

After radioactive material, called radioisotope or tracer is administered to you, you will be emitting radioactivity. The emitted radioactivity is safe, to you, to the environment, to others, including to your pets. Instructions to further enhance safety will be provided to you on a specific procedure basis.

Are there side effects to nuclear medicine procedures?

Very few people experience side effects from nuclear medicine procedures. Allergic reactions are extremely rare. Any adverse reactions are usually mild, pass quickly, and need little or no medical treatment. Even so, let our nuclear medicine personnel know about any allergies or other problems you may have experienced during a previous procedure. Radiotracers administered are not contrast dyes and are safe to patients with allergies to iodine contrast. You should not feel any different after the radioactive material is given.

Do nuclear medicine procedures hurt?

Nuclear medicine procedures are usually painless. at most, it is only the pain of an injection which is as normal as when drawing blood.

What if I am claustrophobic?

In case you suffer from claustrophobia, please inform our team in advance for specific guidance and individualized management.

How can I book an appointment?

To book a nuclear medicine appointment, you should be referred by your family doctor, in consultation with the specialist. For this, your doctor may contact our offices directly to make a booking, alternatively, you can call us, in which case our team will ask you to send through the referral letter from your doctor or any other supporting documents.

What documents should I bring to my first appointment?

We kindly request that you bring the following documents for your visit:

1. Identity document/passport (for foreign nationals)

2. Referral letter

3. Medical aid card (if applicable)

4. Previous relevant imaging reports and blood results, if available

On arrival, you will be asked to fill in a form as required by your medical aid and where applicable, we may require you to complete a brief questionnaire about your medical condition.

Can I travel after my procedure?

Following procedures, travel is generally permissible. if you are traveling, please inform our team so that you are issued with the relevant paperwork that highlights the reasons you may be emitting radiation.

Can I be around pregnant women or children after my procedure?

It is generally safe for you to be around pregnant women and children. However, it is emphasized that to confirm maximum exposure protection, one should observe specific instructions that may be provided by our treating team.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration of the procedure may vary. For more detailed information regarding the specific length of the procedure, please contact our scheduling team when you call to arrange your appointment. They will be able to provide you with more precise details tailored to your particular procedure.

When do I get my results?

Should there be an emergency, clinical feedback will be provided to your doctor right away and a written report will be forwarded to your doctor within 2-4 hours. In cases where clinical information may be pending, we will do all possible to finalize reports within 24-48 hours. A copy of the report may be obtained directly from our office, alternatively from your referring physician.

How is nuclear medicine different from X-rays, CT, MRI, and Ultrasounds?

Radiological imaging depicts changes in the appearance, structural morphology or anatomy of an organ; whilst nuclear medicine is non-invasive and reveals the organ's functionality or molecular status. The synergy and complementarity between these modalities present a powerful combination for achieving diagnostic accuracy and treatment success.