ANMU Testicular Scan

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Testicular Scan

Procedure:

You have been referred for a Testicular Scan in which imaging is done of the testis whilst standing infront of a Gamma Camera (1).
A Testicular Scan is very sensitive in showing Testicular Torsion (twisting of the testicles that can cut off the blood supply), Testicular varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), Epididymititis (infection of sperm ducts) and Orchitis (infection of the testicles).
To image varicoceles, there are two injections required into a vein in the arm.
The first injection (stannous ions), prepares your blood for the second injection (99mTc-Pertechnetate).
The second injection is done 15 minutes after the first injection while you stand infront of the Gamma Camera.
For all the other conditions, only one injection of tracer (99mTc-Pertechnetate) is required into a vein in the arm.
Again you are required to stand infront of the Gamma Camera.
There are rarely any side effects with any of the injections.
Imaging is done as soon as you have been given the second injection. This takes 15 minutes.
You receive a slight radiation dose by having a Testicular Scan ~ up to 2.1 times your yearly background radiation (2).

Patient Preparation:

If you have had prior imaging e.g. PET, Nuclear Scan, CT, MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound, etc... please bring these with you.
Please also bring your referral and any blood results that you may have had done.
There is no preparation for a Testicular Scan i.e. eat and drink as normal.
If you are on any medications, please take these as normal.
Wear comfortable clothing and minimise the amount of metal jewellery you have on (all metal objects will need to be removed prior to imaging).

⁽¹⁾ A Gamma Camera is a device that detects gamma-rays (gamma-rays are very similar to x-rays) and does not emit any radiation.

⁽²⁾ We all receive a yearly background radiation dose ~ 2.4mSv. Testicular Scan ~ 5.0mSv = 2.1 times yearly background dose.