Aurora Burlington Price of Nuclear Medicine Cisternography/Planar at $2,180.00

Aurora Medical Center Burlington offers a specialized diagnostic service known as Nuclear Medicine Cisternography/Planar, priced at $2,180.00. This procedure is a type of nuclear medicine imaging that evaluates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain and spinal cord, often used to diagnose conditions such as CSF leaks, hydrocephalus, or to assess shunt function. The cost reflects the advanced technology and expertise required to perform and interpret this sophisticated imaging study, which involves the injection of a small amount of radioactive material to trace the CSF pathways.

What is Nuclear Medicine Cisternography/Planar? – Nuclear Medicine Cisternography/Planar is a diagnostic imaging technique used to assess the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord, helping diagnose conditions like CSF leaks or hydrocephalus.

Why is the procedure priced at $2,180.00? – The cost of $2,180.00 reflects the use of advanced nuclear medicine technology and the specialized expertise required to conduct and interpret the imaging results.

How is the procedure performed? – The procedure involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer into the CSF, followed by imaging with a gamma camera to visualize the flow of the fluid.

What conditions can this test diagnose? – This test can help diagnose conditions such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and assess the function of CSF shunts.

Is the procedure safe? – Yes, the procedure is generally safe, with the radioactive tracer used being in a very small amount and typically posing minimal risk to the patient.

How long does the procedure take? – The procedure can take several hours to a few days, as images are taken at different intervals to accurately assess the CSF flow.

What should a patient expect during the procedure? – Patients can expect to receive a lumbar puncture for tracer injection, followed by a series of imaging sessions over time to monitor the tracer’s movement.

Are there any special preparations needed for the test? – Patients may be advised to follow specific instructions regarding medication and food intake prior to the procedure, which will be provided by the healthcare team.

Can the results of the test be discussed immediately? – Typically, results will be analyzed by a nuclear medicine specialist, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the findings with the patient.