What is injected in a DaTscan?

What is injected in a DaTscan?

DaTscan is a drug that is injected into the bloodstream to assess dopamine containing neurons, which are involved in controlling movement. One of our subspecialized imaging physicians will then use a gamma camera to take pictures of your brain.

How do I prepare for DaTscan?

There is no specific prep for DaTSCAN, and there are only 3 simple instructions. You’ll need to drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your procedure.

Does a DaTscan use iodine?

The DaTscan injection may contain up to 6% of free iodide (iodine 123). To decrease thyroid accumulation of iodine 123, block the thyroid gland before administration of DaTscan [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

What is the isotope used in a DaTscan?

During the DaTscan a small amount of Iodine 123 is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. Iodine 123 is the radioactive isotope labeled to a small molecule that tracks the amount of dopamine in the brain.

Does DaTscan confirm Parkinson’s?

In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a DaTscan. While a DaTscan cannot diagnose PD, doctors use them to confirm a diagnosis. A negative DaTscan result does not rule out a Parkinson’s diagnosis, but a positive result helps confirm it.

Can you eat before a DaTscan?

DaTscan imaging is a 1-day test. It takes 5 to 6 hours. You can eat and drink before testing. Some medicines should not be taken before this test.

How much does a DaTscan cost?

The cost can range from $2,500-5,000. Many expert centers perform PET scans for free under research protocols.

How accurate is a DaTscan?

Only in the study of patients with clinically uncertain parkinsonism, a high diagnostic accuracy of DAT SPECT imaging was observed with sensitivity and specificity rates of 98%.

Is DaTscan nuclear medicine?

The DaTscan is a safe nuclear medicine study used to evaluate the brain for tremors and/or Parkinson’s Disease. It utilizes the injection of a material called Ioflupane I123 into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain and highlights the neurons responsible for controlling movement.

What is a DaTscan used to diagnose?

DaTscan is a tool used to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. It is a specific type of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging technique that helps visualize dopamine transporter levels in the brain.