DaTscan

Purpose for the exam:

• DaTscan imaging helps visualize dopamine transporters in the brain, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Exam preparation:

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Your DaTscan dose is being special ordered for you. Because of this, we need at least 48-hour notice if you must cancel or reschedule your DaTscan appointment.

Medicaitons:

• Please bring a list of your current medications.
• Prior to scheduling your exam, please consult your ordering provider to discuss a plan for stopping and restarting any necessary medications.

Eating and/or drinking

• Please arrive well hydrated, drink 16-24 ounces of water before your exam.

What to wear:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

Procedure:

• Once you have arrived in the Nuclear Medicine Department
• You will be given a glass of juice with potassium iodide, a thyroid blocking medication.
• An intravenous (IV) line will be placed. We ask that you remain in the Imaging Department.
• 1 hour after drinking the juice solution the DaTscan BI-123 will be injected.
• 4 hours after the injection you be placed on a scanning table where a gamma camera will perform the exam. This imaging is approximately 45 minutes.

After the procedure: 

• Drink plenty of water, at least a minimum of 16 - 24 ounces and use the bathroom frequently following your exam for the next 24 – 48 hours.
• Follow up with your ordering provider

Considerations to discuss with your doctor: 

• If you have reduced kidney or liver function
• Are you sensitive to DaTscan or iodine?
• Are you sensitive to potassium iodide oral solution?
• Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Are you claustrophobic? Prior to your exam, you may be prescribed something from your ordering provider.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or may become pregnant

Duration:

• Approximately 6 hours