Patient Instructions - Lymphoscintigraphy for Lymphedema

Lymphoscintigraphy is a test that uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to demonstrate lymphatic flow through the draining lymphatic system. The procedure is most often performed on patients with unexplained upper or lower extremity swelling.

Before your Procedure

• Tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.

• No special preparation is necessary for this test.

During your Procedure

• During the test, a radiologist will make a small injection in between the fingers on each hand or the toes on each foot.

• Following the injections, you may be asked to walk around in the hallway for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. 

• You will then be asked to lie on a table and imaging will begin, starting at your hands or feet. 

• Images will be acquired for approximately 20 minutes.

• After 20 minutes, the images will be shown to the radiologist to determine if additional images need to be acquired. 

• The entire procedure lasts approximately 90 minutes.

After your Procedure

• After the test, you can resume your normal activities. 

• Increase your fluid intake unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Thank you for letting us perform your examination. Your images will be interpreted by Regional Diagnostic Radiologists (RDR). It is our goal to have the report available to your physician within 24 hours.  Your physician has requested we inform you that it may take him/her 3-5 working days before they notify you with results. If you have not been notified by the fifth working day, you may call your physician for the results. If you already have a follow up appointment scheduled with your physician, they may wait to inform you of your results at that time.

If you have any questions about your examination, please call your provider