Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Nuclear Medicine
| SOP Code | Title | Review Date |
|---|
| REF000 | Referring to Nuclear Medicine (HUTH) | 2027-08-23 |
| Authorised By | Authorising Role | Authorisation Signature
(only on master paper copy) | Date Authorised |
| Dr N Ahmed | ARSAC Licence Holder | | 2024-08-23 |
| Dr G Wright | NM MPE | | 2024-08-23 |
REF000 - Referring to Nuclear Medicine (HUTH)
NB: This procedure does not apply to referrals for PET/CT which is provided by a private company (Alliance Medical).
Referral Process
Referrals to Nuclear Medicine should be by an electronic (via Lorenzo) request. Paper requests will be accepted when electronic requesting is not available (e.g. referrals from outside of the HUTH Trust)
Check the
referral criteria for the procedure you are requesting to ensure you are entitled to refer and that the procedure is suitable for the clinical question
In general referrals are only accepted from UK Registered Medical Practitioners. Referrals from non-medical staff will be accepted only from those previously approved. A list of approved non-medical referrers is kept in the nuclear medicine department (SOP E029)
Check the contraindications including any medication which might interfere with the procedure
Some procedures require the administration of other, non-radioactive pharmaceuticals as an essential part of the procedure. These are specified in the
referral criteria. Your request for an investigation will be taken as implying agreement to the administration of the specified supplementary drug. If you are unhappy about your patient being given these drugs or you feel they are contraindicated this must be clearly stated on the request.
Links to
referral criteria for each type of nuclear medicine procedure are provided below. These include valid clinical indications, contraindications, and any supplementary drugs used in the procedure. Please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department on 01482 622125 or
hyp-tr.nucmed-hri@nhs.net for advice on any procedure or clinical indications not covered by this document.
If you are entitled to refer and the clinical indications are valid for the procedure you are requesting, complete a referral via Lorenzo or by paper request if you are referring from outside HUTH.
If a referral needs to be cancelled, cancel it in Lorenzo (electronic requests), but in all cases (electronic or paper referrals) telephone the nuclear medicine department on 01482 622125 to inform us of the cancellation.
As referrer you must provide the following information on the request:
Sufficient medical data (such as previous diagnostic information or medical records) relevant to the procedure requested to enable the ARSAC Licence holder to decide whether there is a sufficient net benefit to the patient. (Requirement under the
Ionising Radiation [Medical Exposures] Regulations).
The clinical question
The suggested procedure (e.g. Bone Scan, Myocardial Perfusion Scan)
Sufficient information to identify the patient
for paper requests, ensure the full name, address, date of birth, and a numeric identifier (e.g. NHS number) are included
Whether the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding
Therapy Procedures
Pregnant patients must not be referred for therapy procedures
Ensure that the patient is aware of the importance of not being pregnant at the time of the therapy procedure and discuss appropriate contraception if necessary
Ensure that the patient is aware of the need to avoid becoming pregnant after the therapy for a period of time dependant on the therapy (6 months for I131 therapy)
Any relevant medication (see
referral criteria for any medication which might interfere with the procedure and indicate if it can be stopped)
If the patient has a catheter or is incontinent
Any language or communication difficulties
Any conditions that might make it difficult for the patient to comply with the procedure (e.g. difficulties in lying flat)
Any medical or other potential risks to staff
Name of clinical trial/research project (if applicable)
Sufficient information to identify you as referrer
For Lorenzo requests, ensure the request is made under your own login
For paper requests you must sign and legibly PRINT your name and job title
We CANNOT legally perform procedures without sufficient details to justify the radiation exposure, and identify the patient and referrer.
Incomplete requests will be returned to the referrer and this may lead to a delay appointing the patient
Referral Criteria
Diagnostic Procedures
Therapy Procedures