Nuclear Medicine (Isotopes)

The Nuclear Medicine Institute performs imaging scans that allow visualization of disease processes using radioactive materials.

The radiotracer is administered via intravenous injection, and imaging is performed using gamma cameras or PET-CT systems, which detect the radiation emitted from the patient's body and convert it into diagnostic images.

What Is Nuclear Imaging (Scintigraphy)?

Nuclear imaging is a diagnostic method that uses radiation from radioactive materials for imaging purposes.

Unlike X-ray imaging, the source of radiation does not come from an external X-ray machine but from substances injected or administered to the patient. For this reason, the cameras at the institute do not emit radiation, and the duration of the scan, regardless of its length, does not affect radiation exposure.

The radiation dose is tailored to the diagnostic needs, and scans may be repeated as often as required according to the referring physician's instructions.

What Should You Bring to the Institute?

• A referral letter from your physician.

• A payment authorization form from your HMO or other funding source for the specific examination.

• Previous imaging studies (CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, or prior nuclear medicine scans).

• New: Imaging studies performed outside Ichilov can be uploaded before your scheduled appointment or treatment. We recommend uploading these files in advance through Ichilov's online "Load Discs" system.

Scan Stages – Gamma Camera Imaging

1. Registration – Registration at the reception desk and completion of financial arrangements.

2. Injection – Intravenous administration of a radioactive tracer according to the type of scan.

3. Waiting Period – The waiting time between tracer administration and imaging depends on the type of scan and will be explained accordingly.

4. Imaging – Patient positioning and scan duration vary depending on the examination.

5. After the Scan – Patients are advised to avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for 6 hours and to drink plenty of water.

PET Imaging

The institute operates two PET-CT systems and one PET-MR system.

The institute places great emphasis on minimizing radiation exposure in patients undergoing PET-CT and PET-MR examinations. Advanced technologies and innovative image-processing techniques are used to reduce the administered radioactive tracer dose without compromising image quality.

PET-CT / PET-MR Scan Steps

1. Before Scheduling an Appointment – A referral from the specialist physician who requested the PET scan and a financial authorization must be submitted. Documents may be sent by email to: nucm-adm@tlvmc.gov.il

2. Registration – Registration at the reception desk and completion of financial arrangements.

3. Clinical Interview – Conducted by a nurse and physician.

4. Pre-Injection Waiting Period – Some patients may be instructed to drink oral contrast material.

5. Injection – Intravenous administration of the radioactive tracer.

6. Isolation Period – Waiting in a designated area, during which some patients continue drinking oral contrast material.

7. PET-CT Scan – For some patients, the examination includes intravenous contrast administration, depending on the referral.

8. After the Scan – Patients are advised to avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for 6 hours and to drink plenty of water.

Procedures for Receiving Test Results

• Nuclear medicine scan results are provided together with a disc containing the examination images.

• Discs will not be issued without a written report.

• Test results can be obtained in two ways:

• If a patient wishes to authorize another person to collect the results on their behalf, it is recommended to complete a power of attorney form and submit it to the institute's reception desk on the day of the examination.

• Patients must present a valid identification document (ID card, driver's license, passport, or military ID) both on the day of the examination and when collecting results. Without one of these documents, patients will not be admitted for the examination or permitted to collect their results.

• Examination reports can also be viewed through the medical center's MyBeWell online portal using a one-time access code.

* The availability of results also depends on the medical urgency of the examination, as determined by the institute's physicians.

** Patients wishing to receive their results by mail must explicitly request this during registration at the reception desk. Delivery times are beyond the institute's control, and the institute is not responsible for lost reports or discs.