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Scintigraphy of the salivary glands

The scintigraphy of the salivary glands is a nuclear medical examination, with which the function of the salivary glands can be evaluated. Hereto, a low-radiation marker substance is administered. The substance accumulates in the salivary glands and emits radiation. A gamma camera records the radiation as image (scintigram).

With this examination, the function and secretion dysfunction of the four large salivary glands (parotid gland and submandibular gland) can be diagnosed, as well as inflammation or salivary stones. It is also performed to diagnose an oral dryness (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrom).

Examination procedure

First, we inject you a small amount of a low-radiation marker substance, which accumulates in the salivary glands after a few minutes.

The substances used are very well tolerated; allergic reactions are not known. The radiation load is low and quickly degraded.

Fifteen minutes later you will get some liquid, which you should swirl around in your mouth and then swallow. During injection and after receiving the liquid a gamma camera tracks images of the salivary glands.

The recording takes about twenty-five minutes.

Preparation before and after the examination

You should not eat one hour prior to the examination and only drink water.

Please do not take your medication for the salivary gland on the day of the examination. Other medication can be taken.

The examination takes about an hour.

We will send the examination results to your treating physician as soon as possible. He will then contact you to discuss the results as well as the possibility of a treatment.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions!