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Departments

Nuclear Medicine

About

The Department of Nuclear Medicine at the German Medical Institute (GMI) offers modern and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic services that meet the highest international standards—both in terms of human expertise and technological advancement.

All diagnostic imaging procedures and treatment protocols are meticulously planned and carried out by a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team comprising Nuclear Medicine Physicians, Medical Physicists, Radiochemists, Radiology Technicians, and specially trained nursing staff.

Our team is fully committed to delivering the highest quality of care, with a strong focus on patient safety, clinical effectiveness, and dignified, compassionate service. At the heart of everything we do is our unwavering respect for the patients we serve and our dedication to their health and wellbeing.

Equipment

The PET/CT Scanner – A First in Cyprus

The PET/CT scanner, offered exclusively and for the first time in the Republic of Cyprus by the German Medical Institute (GMI), combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with Computed Tomography (CT) into a single, advanced diagnostic tool.

This state-of-the-art technology allows us to acquire high-resolution, highly accurate imaging, significantly enhancing our ability to detect, stage, and monitor various diseases—particularly in the fields of oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

Radiopharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals Used in PET/CT Imaging

The radiopharmaceuticals used in PET/CT imaging are considered safe, as they do not cause allergic reactions or side effects, and the administered dose is very low. The primary isotope used in all PET examinations is Fluorine-18 (^18F), which has a short half-life of 110 minutes and decays rapidly. As a result, there is no residual radioactivity in the body a few hours after the examination, and no special precautions are required following the procedure.

Depending on the clinical indication, different radiopharmaceuticals may be used to obtain the most accurate diagnostic information:

18F- FDG (radiolabelled glucose, malignancies withincreased glucose metabolism)

  •  18F-PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen)

  • 18F-NaF (osseous metabolism, bone metastases)

  • 18F-FET/18F-FLT (brain tumours)

  • 18F-FMISO (hypoxia marker)

  • 18F-FDOPA (presynaptic dopaminergic function)

  • 18F-FES (estrogen receptors for breast cancer)

  • 18F- Sifalin-TATE (somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumours)


Information For Each Examination

FOR THE 18F-FDG-PET/CΤ

What do I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous PET/CT, MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the examination?
  • It is necessary to stay fasting 6 hours before examination. During this time you can only drink water.

  • If a special imaging of the heart is intended a special nutrition should be followedfrom the day before the examination. In this case you will receive specificinformation.

  • If you suffer from diabetes please let us know during our telephone communication to obtain specific information.

  • All other medications can be taken normally.

  • The examination is contraindicated in case of pregnancy.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel will hand you a document with informationabout the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about theprocedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which blood sugar will be measured,the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • You will be asked to relax for about an hour. During this time, you are instructed todrink 0.5 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this 60-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 20 to 40 minutes that the examination lasts.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and sent electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.

  • If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue,and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer allyour queries on (+357) 25 208003.

FOR THE18F-PSMA-PET/CT

What I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous PET/CT, Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy), MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of revious imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the examination?
  • No special preparation is required. You can have your normal meals.

  • You can keep on taking your daily medications.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examinationn, will last for approximately 2-2.5 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • Your body will need approximately 90-120 minutes to absorb the

    radiopharmaceutical you have just been given. During this time, you are instructed to drink about 1 liter of water. You may go to the toilet as many times as you wish. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this 90-120-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 30-40 minutes that the examination lasts.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • There are no special restrictions.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer allyour queries on (+357) 25 208003

FOR THE 18F-NaF-PET/CT

What I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous PET/CT, Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy), MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the examination?
  • No special preparation is required. You can have your normal meals.

  • You can keep on taking your daily medications.

  • This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examinationn, will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • You will be asked to relax for about an hour. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this 60-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.

  • If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer allyour queries on (+357) 25 208003

FOR THE 18F-FET/FLT-PET/CT

What I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous tests, especially brain MRI (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the examination?
  • Do not eat anything for 4 hours before having your examination. You can, however, drink water.

  • No need to stop taking your daily medications.

  • This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 1-1.5 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • You will be asked to relax for about 40 minutes. the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this brief time. Once you are placed properly in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and completely still for the approximately 20- minutes. It could be required that you undergo a supplementary early acquisition 20 minutes after administration of the radiopharmaceutical.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about one (1) hour after the examination.

  • If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer allyour queries on (+357) 25 208003

FOR THE 18F-FMISO-PET/CT

What I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous PET/CT, MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the test?
  • Do not eat anything for 4 hours before having your examination. You can, however, drink water.

  • No need to stop taking your daily medications.

  • This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with informationabout the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • You will be asked to relax for about 45 – 60 minutes. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5-1 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this brief time. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.

  • If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer allyour queries on (+357) 25 208003

FOR THE 18F-FDOPA-PET/CT

What do I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous PET/CT, MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the test?
  • If necessary, you may need to take cardidopa. Otherwise, no special preparation is required. You can have your meals normally.

  • No need to stop taking your daily medications.

  • This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examination, will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with informationabout the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about theprocedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriateradiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • You will be asked to relax for about 60 minutes. During this time, you are instructedto drink 0.5-1 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of yourchoice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you mighthave saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, butaccess to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this waiting time. Once you are placed in thescanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that theexamination lasts.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing yourexamination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days andsend electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about one (1) hour after the examination.

  • If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer allyour queries on (+357) 25 208003

FOR THE 18F-FES-PET/CT

What I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous PET/CT, Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy), MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the examination?
  • No special preparation is required. You can have your normal meals.

  • You can keep on taking your daily medications.

  • This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examinationn, will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriateradiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • You will be asked to relax for about 60 minutes. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this 60-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing yourexamination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.

  • If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003

FOR THE 18F-Sifalin-TATE-PET/CT

What I need to have before the examination?
  • Referral from the treating physician.

  • Histological diagnosis (if available).

  • Previous PET/CT, Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy), MRI, CT (CDs and opinions of previous imaging and other examinations, if any).


How do I prepare myself for the examination?
  • No special preparation is required. You can have your normal meals.

  • You can keep on taking your daily medications.

  • This test cannot be carried out if you are pregnant.

  • Try to be on time for your appointment. Bear in mind that the whole procedure, including the actual PET/CT examinationn, will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours.


How is the examination carried out?
  • Once you’re at the GOC, our personnel with hand you a document with information about the examination and will ask you for your consent to carry on.

  • Once you have filled-in and signed the form, you will be briefed in detail about the procedure which will follow.

  • A venous catheter will then be placed, through which the appropriate radiopharmaceutical will be administered.

  • You will be asked to relax for about 60 minutes. During this time, you are instructed to drink 0.5 liters of water. In the waiting room, you can read something of your choice, so feel free to bring along your book, magazine, or any readings you might have saved electronically. There is no network for cellphones in that room, but access to the Web is available.

  • Your examination will start after this 60-minute relaxation period. Once you are placed in the scanner, it is important that you remain calm and still for the 45 to 60 minutes that the examination lasts.

  • Once this procedure is concluded, you will be handed a CD containing your examination images. The report will we ready for you within 2-3 working days and send electronically.


What do I do after the examination?
  • Avoid any close contact with pregnant women and young children for about two (2) hours after the examination.

  • If you are breastfeeding, allow 6 hours after the examination before you continue, and we suggest that you discard the first dose of breast milk. Thereafter, you can breastfeed normally.


In any case, our personnel at the Department’s Reception will be glad to answer all your queries on (+357) 25 208003

RESCHEDULING OR CANCELING AN EXAMINATION

Radiopharmaceuticals are complex products which contain a radioactive compound (isotope). For the PET examination, the isotope used at the GOC’s Nuclear Medicine Department, is the 18F, that is “connected” to FDG, PSMA, FET, FLT, NaF, FMISO, L-DOPA, FES, SiFAlin-TATE depending on the medical question. The term “radiopharmaceutical” includes the word “pharmaceutical”. However, we are not dealing with identical concepts. As far as the radiopharmaceutical is concerned, its uniqueness lies upon in its production and in its availability. The production of a radiopharmaceutical is a very complicated procedure with many steps that need to be taken and is carried out exclusively by specifically trained personnel in special facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. Once the radiopharmaceutical is produced, a very demanding quality control is carried out, so that we can be certain that the substance fulfills all European requirements and is suitable and safe to be administered to the patient. The final decision for administration is always taken by the responsible physician. The availability of the radiopharmaceutical is unfortunately not guaranteed. The aforementioned process takes place daily in the department more than once, due to the short half-life of the isotope (only 110 minutes). The whole procedure begins long before the patient reaches our facilities and usually ends when the patient is within the Department. As it can be made clear, the short half-life is also why radiopharmaceutical is not directly available. This also explains why in most cases any problem occurring at any step of the production of the radiopharmaceutical cannot be foreseen but is realized only at the time that occurs. Therefore, any change, i.e. delay of the examination, cancellation or modification of its date, can usually occur on the very day of the examination and relatively close to the time or even after patient’s arrival in the center. In conclusion, a prediction of any modification is difficult and, in most cases, not possible. The unpleasant scenario of delay or rescheduling an examination, occurs only after repeated attempts to resolve any problem throughout the procedure prior to the administration of the radiopharmaceutical. The above decision is taken to ensure that the examination is carried out under sound production conditions and the final product fulfills all quality standards. Any inevitable change is made solely in order to achieve the above objectives.


Radioisotopes therapy ward

Radioisotope Therapy Ward – Department of Nuclear Medicine, GMI

The Radioisotope Therapy Ward at the German Medical Institute (GMI) comprises five spacious and fully equipped single rooms, each offering access to a radioactivity-protected private garden. This unique design allows patients to move freely, enjoy fresh air, take short walks, and interact with others—without being confined to their rooms during treatment.

In this dedicated ward, we provide advanced treatments using radioactive iodine for both benign and malignant thyroid diseases, including high-dose therapies for patients with distant metastases.

We also offer radium-223 (Xofigo®) therapy for patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases, enhancing quality of life and disease control.

As pioneers in the era of theranostics, GMI was among the first centres in the region to offer targeted radioisotope therapies for:

  • Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

  • Neuroendocrine tumors

These therapies use 177Lu (Lutetium-177) or 225Ac (Actinium-225) to deliver precision treatment directly to cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

This advanced approach reflects our commitment to personalised medicine, combining diagnostics and targeted therapy for improved outcomes and patient safety.

Image by Dmitry Spravko

Department


The Department of Nuclear Medicine includes a fully integrated diagnostic unit, offering PET/CT imaging, outpatient services for thyroid patients, and a dedicated radioisotope therapy ward for the management of various malignancies, including neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.

Our department is staffed by highly trained professionals who combine exceptional scientific expertise with a deep sense of professional responsibility and commitment to patient care.

We invite you to explore our department—to discover our team, our services, and the advanced medical technologies that support our work.

Should you have any questions, need clarifications, or wish to offer feedback—whether suggestions, compliments, or criticisms—we encourage you to contact us directly at:
📧 nuclear.medicine@gmi.com.cy

Our mission is to restore your health. Your feedback helps us become even better.

Department


The Department of Nuclear Medicine includes a fully integrated diagnostic unit, offering PET/CT imaging, outpatient services for thyroid patients, and a dedicated radioisotope therapy ward for the management of various malignancies, including neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.

Our department is staffed by highly trained professionals who combine exceptional scientific expertise with a deep sense of professional responsibility and commitment to patient care.

We invite you to explore our department—to discover our team, our services, and the advanced medical technologies that support our work.

Should you have any questions, need clarifications, or wish to offer feedback—whether suggestions, compliments, or criticisms—we encourage you to contact us directly at:
📧 nuclear.medicine@gmi.com.cy

Our mission is to restore your health. Your feedback helps us become even better.

Medical Staff

Contact Details

PHONE

(+357) 25 208 000

WORKING HOURS

Mon - Fri | 08:00 - 16:30

ADDRESS

1, Nikis Avenue,
4108, Agios Athanasios,
Limassol, Cyprus

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