This version (2025/01/21 14:37) was approved by manos.papadopoulos.

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Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust - Nuclear Medicine

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SOP CodeTitleReview Date
REF009Lacrimal Scintigraphy2028-01-21


Authorised By Authorising Role Authorisation Signature
(only on master paper copy) 		Date Authorised
Prof. G Avery ARSAC Licence Holder 2025-01-21

REF009 - Lacrimal Scintigraphy

See REF000 - Referring to Nuclear Medicine (NLAG) for details on how to refer.

Description

Lacrimal scintigraphy (or dacroscintigraphy) is a noninvasive, low-radiation-dose method of evaluating the nasolacrimal drainage system. It is used to demonstrate patency of the system and to localize the general area of obstruction, which can be important for pre-surgical planning. It also can be used post-operatively to evaluate whether the surgery was successful.[1]

ARSAC Licence Holders
Prof Ged Avery
NuclidePharmaceutical FormLocal DRL (MBq)
Tc99mNanocolloid4 (each eye)
Radiopharmaceutical
Typical Radiation Dose (mSv) 0.04

Staff Entitled to Refer

  • The referrer may be any clinician holding a current valid medical qualification and currently employed in Secondary Care.

Supplementary Drugs

None

Contraindications

Absolute:Acute Conjunctivitis requiring treatment [2]
Relative:Irritable/Itchy eyes on the day of the test [2]
Inability to tolerate the imaging procedure [2]
Pregnancy/Breast feeding [2]

Clinical Indications

Localisation of nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Post-operative evaluation of nasolacrimal surgery
[1] A MacDonald, S Burrell. Infrequently performed studies in Nuclear Medicine: Part 1. J Nucl Med Technol 2008; 36:132–143.
[2] Lacrimal scintigraphy BNMS Guidelines. Ines et al. Available online (Accessed on 21/05/2025).
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