What is a Somatostatin Receptor Imaging Scan?
A somatostatin-receptor imaging scan (OctreoScan.) is a diagnostic test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) to visualize sites of disease throughout the body. The tracer will be injected into a vein, usually in the forearm. Images will be taken at four and 24 hours after the injection. The images take approximately two hours to acquire, during which time you will be asked to lie on your back with your arms above your head or down by your side. These images will include planar (two dimensional) views as well as tomographic (three dimensional) or SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography) views.
