Medical Imaging
Nuclear Medicine > Exams & Procedures > CSF - Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt Patency Scan
This test will evaluate the proper flow of cerebral spinal fluid through the shunt system.
The scan involves the injection of a radioactive tracer into the shunt reservoir by the nuclear medicine doctor. Pictures will be taken to follow the path of the tracer through the shunt.
Preparation
- Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take. This includes vitamins, herbal remedies, and holistic medications.
- Do not bring children or pregnant women with you to the department. We do not want to expose them to unnecessary radiation.
- Any of these procedures is subject to change according to the nuclear medicine physician. The duration of the tests is a rough estimate. Please be aware that the time may be lengthened if a scan has to be repeated, if emergency cases are brought to the department or due to unforeseen circumstances.
About the Procedure
- This procedure takes about one hour with the possibility of additional pictures, two hours after the injection, depending on the tracer flow.
- A technologist will briefly explain the test to you and try to answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
- A technologist will ask you a few questions about your medical history and medications.
- The nuclear medicine doctor will prepare the injection site by shaving some hair from the shunt reservoir site and cleaning the area.
- The nuclear medicine doctor will inject the tracer into the shunt reservoir.
- Pictures will be taken to follow the flow of the tracer through the shunt for about one hour.
- Delayed pictures may be required if the flow is slow. These pictures are usually taken two hours after the injection.
