Nuclear Medicine
About
The Department offers modern and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic services of the highest standards at all levels: human resources and technological advances.
Our diagnostic imaging procedures and treatment methods are planned and executed by a team of experienced scientists, consisting of Nuclear Medicine Physicians, Medical Physicists, Radiochemists, Radiology Technicians and specially trained nursing staff. All are dedicated to offer the best possible services, always bearing in mind that what counts more for us is the safety and wellbeing of our patients, and our respect towards them.
Department
This Department includes a diagnostic unit which offers PET/CT examinations, outpatient services for thyroid patients, and a special radioisotope ward and other malignancies such as neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.
Staffed with personnel of exceptional training and with a high sense of professional responsibility.
We invite you to surf around our Department, to get to know its people, its services and its state-of-the-art equipment.
If there is anything you would like to ask, to clarify, to suggest, to criticise, or whatever, please do so freely, by contacting us at [email protected]
Our job is to make you well. Yours, is to make us better.
Equipment
The PET/CT scan, which is offered exclusively and for the first time in the Republic of Cyprus, is a combination of Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which enables us to receive high quality and accurate images.
Radiopharmaceuticals
The radiopharmaceuticals used for PET scan have no allergies, neither side effects and they are considered safe due to the low administered dose.
18F is the isotope used for all PET examinations. It has short half-life (110 min) and it decays rapidly, so there is no detectable radioactivity in the body some hours later and there is no need of special protection after the end of the exam.
According to the clinical question, different
radiopharmaceuticals can be used for each patient:
i OF- FDG (radiolabelled glucose, malignancies with
increased glucose metabolism)
- 18F-PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen)
- 18F-NaF (osseous metabolism, bone metastases)
- 18F-FET/18F-FLT (brain tumours)
- 18F-FMISO (hypoxia marker)
- 18F-FDOPA (presynaptic dopaminergic function and neuroendocrine
- 18F-FES (estrogen receptors for breast cancer)
- 18F- Sifalin-TATE (somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumours (research))
Information For Each Examination
What I need to have before the examination?
- Referral from the treating physician.
- Histological diagnosis (if available).
- Previous PET/CT, MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).
How do I prepare myself for the examination?
- It is necessary to stay fasting 6 hours before examination. During this time you can only drink water.
- If a special imaging of the heart is intended a special nutrition should be followed from the day before the examination. In this case you will receive specific information.
- If you suffer from diabetes please let us know during our telephone communication to obtain specific information.
- All other medications can be taken normally.
- The examination is contraindicated in case of pregnancy.
- Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 2,5-3 hours.
How is the examination carried out?
- Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel will hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.
- Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.
- A venous catheter will then be placed, through which blood sugar will be measured, the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.
- You will be asked to relax for about an hour. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.
- Your examination will start after this 60-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.
- Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.
What do I do after the examination?
- Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.
- If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
What I need to have before the examination?
- Referral from the treating physician.
- Histological diagnosis (if available).
- Previous PET/CT, Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy), MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).
How do I prepare myself for the examination?
- No special preparation is required. You can have your normal meals.
- You can keep on taking your daily medications.
- Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examinationn, will last for approximately 4,5-5 hours.
How is the examination carried out?
- Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.
- Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.
- A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.
- Your body will need approximately 150-180 minutes to absorb the radiopharmaceutical you have just been given. During this time, you are instructed to drink about 1 liter of water. You may go to the toilet as many times as you wish. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.
- Your examination will start after this 150-180-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 60-70 minutes that the examination lasts.
- Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.
What do I do after the examination?
- There are no special restrictions.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
What I need to have before the examination?
- Referral from the treating physician.
- Histological diagnosis (if available).
- Previous PET/CT, Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy), MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).
How do I prepare myself for the examination?
- No special preparation is required. You can have your normal meals.
- You can keep on taking your daily medications.
- This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.
- Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examinationn, will last for approximately 2-2,5 hours.
How is the examination carried out?
- Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.
- Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.
- A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.
- You will be asked to relax for about an hour. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.
- Your examination will start after this 60-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.
- Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.
What do I do after the examination?
- Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.
- If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
What I need to have before the examination?
- Referral from the treating physician.
- Histological diagnosis (if available).
- Previous tests, especially brain MRI (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).
How do I prepare myself for the examination?
- Do not eat anything for 4 hours before having your examination. You can, however, drink water.
- No need to stop taking your daily medications.
- This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.
- Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 1,5-2 hours.
How is the examination carried out?
- Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.
- Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.
- A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.
- You will be asked to relax for about 40 minutes. the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.
- Your examination will start after this brief time. Once you are placed properly in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and completely still for the approximately 20- minutes. It could be required that you undergo a supplementary early acquisition 20 minutes after administration of the radiopharmaceutical.
- Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.
What do I do after the examination?
- Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about one (1) hour after the examination.
- If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
What I need to have before the examination?
- Referral from the treating physician.
- Histological diagnosis (if available).
- Previous PET/CT, MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).
How do I prepare myself for the test?
- Do not eat anything for 4 hours before having your examination. You can, however, drink water.
- No need to stop taking your daily medications.
- This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.
- Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 2,5-3 hours.
How is the examination carried out?
- Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.
- Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.
- A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.
- You will be asked to relax for about 45 – 60 minutes. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5-1 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.
- Your examination will start after this brief time. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.
- Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.
What do I do after the examination?
- Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.
- If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
What do I need to have before the examination?
- Referral from the treating physician.
- Histological diagnosis (if available).
- Previous PET/CT, MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).
How do I prepare myself for the test?
- If necessary, you may need to take cardidopa. Otherwise, no special preparation is required. You can have your meals normally.
- No need to stop taking your daily medications.
- This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.
- Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 4-4,5 hours.
How is the examination carried out?
- Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.
- Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.
- A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.
- You will be asked to relax for about 180 minutes. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5-1 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.
- Your examination will start after this waiting time. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.
- Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.
What do I do after the examination?
- Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about one (1) hour after the examination.
- If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
What I need to have before the examination?
- Referral from the treating physician.
- Histological diagnosis (if available).
- Previous PET/CT, Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy), MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).
How do I prepare myself for the examination?
- No special preparation is required. You can have your normal meals.
- You can keep on taking your daily medications.
- This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.
- Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examinationn, will last for approximately 2,5-3 hours.
How is the examination carried out?
- Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.
- Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.
- A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.
- You will be asked to relax for about 90 minutes. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.
- Your examination will start after this 90-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.
- Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.
What do I do after the examination?
- Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.
- If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
This examination will be offered in the framework of a research protocol in cooperation with the University of Heidelberg (Germany). In case you are considered for this examination within this research protocol, you will receive the required information in a personal meeting with the physicians of the department.
In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003, from 08:00 to 09:30 am, and from 03:00 to 04.30 pm.
Radiopharmaceuticals are complex products which contain a radioactive compound (isotope). For the PET examination, the isotope used at the GOC’s Nuclear Medicine Department, is the 18F, that is “connected” to FDG, PSMA, FET, FLT, NaF, FMISO, L-DOPA, FES, SiFAlin-TATE depending on the medical question. The term “radiopharmaceutical” includes the word “pharmaceutical”. However, we are not dealing with identical concepts. As far as the radiopharmaceutical is concerned, its uniqueness lies upon in its production and in its availability. The production of a radiopharmaceutical is a very complicated procedure with many steps that need to be taken and is carried out exclusively by specifically trained personnel in special facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. Once the radiopharmaceutical is produced, a very demanding quality control is carried out, so that we can be certain that the substance fulfills all European requirements and is suitable and safe to be administered to the patient. The final decision for administration is always taken by the responsible physician. The availability of the radiopharmaceutical is unfortunately not guaranteed. The aforementioned process takes place daily in the department more than once, due to the short half-life of the isotope (only 110 minutes). The whole procedure begins long before the patient reaches our facilities and usually ends when the patient is within the Department. As it can be made clear, the short half-life is also why radiopharmaceutical is not directly available. This also explains why in most cases any problem occurring at any step of the production of the radiopharmaceutical cannot be foreseen but is realized only at the time that occurs. Therefore, any change, i.e. delay of the examination, cancellation or modification of its date, can usually occur on the very day of the examination and relatively close to the time or even after patient’s arrival in the center. In conclusion, a prediction of any modification is difficult and, in most cases, not possible. The unpleasant scenario of delay or rescheduling an examination, occurs only after repeated attempts to resolve any problem throughout the procedure prior to the administration of the radiopharmaceutical. The above decision is taken to ensure that the examination is carried out under sound production conditions and the final product fulfills all quality standards. Any inevitable change is made solely in order to achieve the above objectives.
Radioisotopes therapy ward
The Ward consists of five spacious and comfortable single rooms, each one of which has access to a radioactive-protected garden. This means that patients do not need to be confined to their rooms and can get some fresh air, enjoy a brief walk in the yard, and socialize with other patients. Here, we offer treatments for benign and malignant thyroid diseases with radioactive iodine, including high-dose treatments to patients with distant metastases.
We also carry out treatments with radioactive radium (Xofigo®, administered for bone metastases to patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
Furthermore, in the era of theranostics the GMI was one of the first centres in the region that offers targeted radioisotope treatments for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer and for neuroendocrine tumors with 177Lu or 225Ac.
FAQs
In a biopsy, a sample of tissue, cells or a tumor is taken for analysis under a microscope. This sample can be collected in various ways, such as with a needle, surgically, or through a guided biopsy, where a sample of a tumor is taken using the help of imaging methods.
A doctor may recommend a biopsy to confirm that a tissue is normal or abnormal, and to determine the best treatment method. The area a biopsy may be collected from will first be identified through a clinical examination, imaging, or other laboratory tests.
This sample is then analyzed to accurately confirm it is normal, or to diagnose different diseases like cancer or chronic infections.
Histopathologic examinations are the study of different kinds of tissue and cells under the microscope. There are different types of histopathologic examinations, including biopsies. Through this examination a pathologist evaluates the tissue macroscopically and microscopically to accurately diagnose different diseases such as cancer and chronic infections. In most cases, the pathologist may add special stains to facilitate a specific diagnosis. When examining this tissue, pathologists are also able to identify and stage a cancer, determining its molecular subtype. This, in turn, helps the medical team decide on the best individual treatment plan for each specific case.
Globally, pathologists safely store examined tissue in their laboratory’s archives, as glass slides and paraffin blocks. The tissues can be used as a reference to compare if treatment was effective or if the patient has developed a new disease.
After written consent from a patient, their tissue may be used for educational or research purposes.
Contact details
- (+357) 25 208 000
- [email protected]
- 1, Nikis Avenue 4108, Agios Athanasios, Cyprus
- Mon - Fri | 08:00 - 16:30
