A Tektrotyd scan is a test used to detect certain types of tumour arising from the neuro-endocrine systems of the body. It is also known as somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or 99mTechnetium Octreotide scan.
The test involves us giving you an injection followed by 2 scans. This is necessary so that we can see how the tracer uptake in your body changes over time.
On your initial appointment you will be given a small injection into a vein in your arm (or back of your hand). This injection contains a radioactive tracer called Tektrotyd.
After your injection we would like you to drink plenty of fluids. You can empty your bladder as normal during this time.
Your second appointment time is for your scan. This is done 1-2 hours after your injection. The scan is carried out with you lying down on a scan couch and pictures will be acquired using gamma cameras. We will scan you from your head down to your thighs. The scan will take about 20 minutes.
The third appointment time is for another scan. On this occasion we will scan your chest and abdomen area. The cameras will slowly rotate around your body during the scan. This will take about 45 minutes.
Please have nothing to eat for 6 hours prior to the injection. There is no restriction on fluids during this time. Once you’ve had the injection you can eat normally. There is normally no need to get undressed for the scans but we would like you to remove all metal items from your person such as keys, coins, jewellery or belt. It may be useful for you to wear clothes which do not have any metal fasteners or zips. Ladies will have to remove their bra if it is underwired or has any metal clips.
If you are taking Octreotide, Lanreotide [Somatuline], Sandostatin or Somatostatin, please contact the nuclear medicine department as soon as you get your scan appointment letter.
It may be necessary for you to stop having this medication before the scan, and we will need to discuss this with the doctor looking after you. Other medications can be taken as normal prior to the test. You must tell us in advance if you know you are (or think that you may be) pregnant, or are breast feeding, or if you are the main carer for a baby or small child.
The radioactive tracer is ordered especially for you and is extremely expensive. If you have any queries or are unable to attend for your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible by telephone. We are available Monday to Friday on 01253 953661.
Drinking extra fluids for the rest of the day will help wash the radioactivity out of your body and will give us better pictures. The rest will disappear naturally.
Please avoid spending a long time in close contact with young children or anyone who is pregnant for the rest of the day following the injection to avoid exposing them to unnecessary radiation.
The results will be sent to the hospital consultant that referred you for the scan. Some consultants will write to you with the results and some will send you an appointment to come back to the outpatient clinic.
The injection contains a small amount of radioactive tracer which emits gamma rays (these are similar to X-rays). We use the smallest dose possible to provide as much information as we can about your condition. The radiation dose is very low and is similar to the natural background radiation we all receive from the environment over a period of 4.2 years.
The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information about your condition and will help them plan your treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh the radiation dose you will receive.
Further guidance has been published by Public Health England, visit website – Ionising radiation from medical imaging examinations: safety advice - GOV.UK
Alternatively, use an internet search engine to search for “PHE medical imaging ionising radiation”.
Please tell us if you think that you are or may be pregnant. If you are breast feeding please ring the department a few days before your appointment.
