diff --git a/dap/worker.py b/dap/worker.py
index d94405d..98794cd 100644
--- a/dap/worker.py
+++ b/dap/worker.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import argparse
+from time import time_ns
 
 import numpy as np
 
@@ -52,8 +53,12 @@ def work(backend_addr, accumulator_addr, visualisation_addr, fn_peakfinder_param
         if not zmq_socks.has_data():
             continue
 
+
         raw_image, metadata = zmq_socks.get_data()
 
+        timestamp = time_ns()
+
+
         if metadata["shape"] == [2, 2]: # this is used as marker for empty images
             continue
 
@@ -69,6 +74,7 @@ def work(backend_addr, accumulator_addr, visualisation_addr, fn_peakfinder_param
         results = metadata.copy()
         results.update(peakfinder_parameters)
 
+        results["timestamp"] = timestamp
         results["number_of_spots"] = 0
         results["is_hit_frame"] = False