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 – https://www. gov.uk/government/
publications/ ionising-radiation-from-medicalimaging-examinationssafety
advice 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.
