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Programs & Services - Medical Imaging

Nuclear Medicine > Exams & Procedures > Leg Venogram (MAA or RBC)

This test detects blood clots in the deep veins of the legs and blood flow patterns in the legs.

This test involves the injection of a small amount of a radioactive tracer into the foot veins of each leg. Pictures are taken to follow the blood flow up the legs.

Preparation

  • You should not wear elastic stockings for four hours prior to the test.
  • 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

Venogram Using MAA: 45 minutes.
Venogram Using Labeled Red Blood Cells: one hour and 15 minutes.

Venogram Using MAA
  • 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.
  • You will be asked to lie down on an imaging bed and a camera will be positioned above your legs.
  • The technologist will inject a small amount of radioactive tracer into a vein in each foot.
  • Pictures are taken during the injection and continue for a short time.
Venogram Using Labeled Red Blood Cells
  • 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.
  • You will receive an injection of a blood labeling drug, which has no side effects, into a vein and then must wait 20 to 30 minutes.
  • The technologist will ask you to lie down on the bed and the camera will be positioned above your legs.
  • The technologist will inject a small amount of radioactive tracer into a vein in each foot.
  • Pictures are taken during the injection and continue for about 30 minutes.