Nuclear Medicine Laboratory
Operating since 2016
The Nuclear Medicine Laboratory is equipped with modern technology, including a gamma camera with CT and a PET-CT (positron emission/computed tomography), combining functional (scintigraphy, PET) and anatomical (computed tomography) imaging.
All examinations are performed for patients from neonatal age up to 18 years. For younger children, anesthesia is administered by a team of specialized pediatric anesthesiologists.
Gamma Camera Examinations
Bone scintigraphy, whole-body, 3-phase – Tc-99m
Static renal scintigraphy DMSA – Tc-99m
Dynamic renal scintigraphy MAG-3 – Tc-99m
Scintigraphy – I-123 MIBG
Meckel scintigraphy – Tc-99m
Direct / Indirect Radionuclide Cystography – Tc-99m
Scintigraphy – I-123 Sodium
Milk scan scintigraphy – Tc-99m
Thyroid scintigraphy – Tc-99m (sestamibi)
Parathyroid scintigraphy – Tc-99m
Gastric emptying scintigraphy
PET-CT Examinations
18F FDG PET-CT — for oncology patients, fever of unknown origin and inflammatory conditions
18F-FDOPA PET-CT — in neonates and infants with congenital hyperinsulinism
Treatments (I-131)
Treatment with I-131 in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Treatment with I-131 MIBG in patients with refractory neuroblastoma
Served Patients
Inpatient pediatric / oncology patients of “ELPIDA”
Inpatients hospitalized in clinics of “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital
External patients hospitalized in clinics of other pediatric hospitals
Outpatients referred by physicians outside the hospital
Patient Preparation Instructions
- 1 Administration of LUGOL 5% solution from the day before administration until completion of the imaging procedures. Dosage: up to 3 years: 2 drops/day · 3–13 years: 4 drops/day · >13 years: 8 drops/day. LUGOL should be dissolved in a small amount of water and may be divided into two doses during the day.
- 2 Avoid consuming chocolate from the day before administration.
- 3 Inform the Nuclear Medicine Department about any medication being taken (including nasal sprays), as modification may be required.
- 4 Inform the department of any possible iodine allergy or pregnancy of an accompanying person.
- 5 Upon arrival, please bring any laboratory and imaging examinations that have been performed.
- 6 If the examination concerns a young child, it is advisable for two adults to accompany the child.
- 7 Radiopharmaceutical administration time: 12:00 p.m.
- 1 Avoid strenuous physical activity from the previous day.
- 2 Fast for 6 hours before administration. Avoid foods with high sugar content on the previous day.
- 3 Drink plenty of water (good hydration). Do not consume juices or sugary products.
- 4 In infants, milk may be given 30 minutes after radiopharmaceutical administration, in consultation with the physicians.
- 5 In case of diabetes mellitus, contact the department for proper preparation.
- 6 Bring the completed information note from the attending physician and the recent imaging examinations.
- 7 The patient must not be accompanied by a pregnant person.
- 8 Length of stay: 3 hours. Blood glucose will be measured, an intravenous catheter will be placed, and the patient will remain calm for approximately 60 minutes in a special room. Wear warm clothing, even in summer.
- 9 The examination takes approximately 45 minutes.
- 1 Avoid strenuous physical activity from the previous day.
- 2 Fast for 12–18 hours before radiopharmaceutical administration.
- 3 Drink plenty of water. Do not consume juices, sugary products or intravenous treatment with dextrose.
- 4 On the previous day (two meals), consume: meat with oil or butter · eggs without milk or cheese · oil or butter. Avoid: vegetables, fruit, nuts, bread, rice, pasta, beans and dairy products.
- 5 In case of diabetes mellitus, contact the department.
- 6 Bring the completed information note from the attending physician and recent imaging examinations.
- 7 The patient must not be accompanied by a pregnant person.
- 8 Length of stay: 3 hours. An intravenous catheter will be placed, followed by approximately 60 minutes of rest in a special room. Wear warm clothing.
- 9 The examination takes approximately 45 minutes.