DaTscan

DaTscan is, used for striatal dopamine transporter visualization. This radioactive agent is utilized in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan, which produces an image of your brain. 

Radiopharmaceuticals are used to diagnose certain diseases, and Ioflupane I 123 is used to check for Parkinsonian syndrome symptoms. This radioactive agent should be administered by a physician or trained medical professional. It is available on the market as a solution.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using DaTscan.

Before agreeing to get this diagnostic test done, you and your doctor need to discuss the pros and cons involved. There are also other factors that could influence the result of the exam. That’s why you need to consider very carefully if ioflupane I 123 and SPECT is the right fit. 

Tell your doctor if you’ve had allergic reactions to this radioactive agent or any of its components. You also need to inform your healthcare team if you have allergies to preservatives, dyes, food, animals, or other medications. Ioflupane I 123 should not be used in children since safety and efficacy have not been established. 

However, in studies with geriatric patients, ioflupane I 123 did not yield age-specific problems. Keep in mind, though, that elderly patients are more prone kidney problems due to age. Caution must still be exercised. This agent has a pregnancy category of C, meaning there has been inadequate research on the effects ioflupane I 123 in pregnant women. 

The same is true for breastfeeding. The pros and cons should be weighed carefully. Do not take non-prescription medications or supplements if you are to be given ioflupane I 123. Ask your physician first. This agent must be used with caution in patients with severe kidney problems.

To use DaTscan properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Ioflupane I 123 should be administered by a physician or under the direct supervision of one. Before you are given ioflupane I 123, you need to be well hydrated. An IV line is started and this agent is given through this line. 

After the procedure, you need to urinate immediately and as often as you can within the next 48 hours. You also need to drink plenty of fluids after the procedure so that you can urinate more and the agent is excreted thoroughly. If you have questions about SPECT and ioflupane I 123, talk to your healthcare provider.

Before using DaTscan, there are some precautions you must take.

Your healthcare team will keep monitoring you immediately after your SPECT scan. This is to make sure that there are no side effects to ioflupane I 123. This agent can cause allergic reactions. Tell your nurse or doctor if you notice the following after receiving the agent: 

• fever
• hives
• itching skin
• difficulty with breathing/swallowing
• nausea
• swelling (of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose)
• reddening of the skin or unusual tiredness or weakness

There will be radiation exposure when you take this ioflupane I 123. If you have clarifications about this, talk to your doctor before you receive the agent. Your healthcare team will administer Lugol's solution, potassium iodide, or potassium perchlorate before giving ioflupane I 123 so your thyroid gland is protected from radiation. 

If you have had hypersensitivity reactions to any of those or to products with iodine, inform your doctor right away. Consult your physician before you take non-prescription medications or supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with DaTscan.

There are several side effects associated with ioflupane I 123 use. Although the incidence rates are not known, you should inform your nurse or doctor immediately if you have the following: 

• difficulty with breathing/swallowing
• hives
• fever
• itching skin
• nausea
• swelling (of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose) 
• unusual tiredness/weakness or reddening of the skin, especially around the ears

There are also uncommon side effects that do not need medical attention. These are dizziness, dry mouth, headache, or sensation of spinning. Inform your doctor if your condition doesn’t get better or if it gets worse. Also, consult your physician if you have side effects that were not mentioned here.