Bone Scan
A bone scan is an imaging test that uses a special camera to form images of your bones. It is used to diagnose bone problems, such as fractures, cancer, infections, and joint problems such as arthritis. It is also used to check joint replacements.
A bone scan is an imaging test that uses a special camera to make images of your bones. It is a type of nuclear imaging exam. It's also called skeletal scintigraphy. The scan uses a small amount of radioactive material called a radiotracer. The radiotracer goes where there is abnormal production of bone.
Why is a bone scan done?
Your healthcare provider may advise a bone scan for any of these reasons:
If you have symptoms such as bone pain or break bones often
To diagnose arthritis, broken bones, or bone cancer
To find cancer in the bones that may have spread from another part of the body (metastasis), such as the breast, lung, or prostate
To diagnose infections and joint problems
To check joint replacements
To monitor or track these diseases and see how well treatment is working
Getting ready for your scan
Your bone scan may take up to a half day. Bring a book to read or an activity to do while waiting to have your scan.
At the hospital, tell the technologist if you:
Take any medicines
Are pregnant or think you may be
Are breastfeeding
Had a nuclear medicine scan before
Had a recent barium study such as a barium enema, esophagram, or upper GI series
Take medicine that has bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol
Have any broken bones or artificial joints
Have any allergies
Before the scan
You will have an IV (intravenous) line placed into a vein in your arm or hand.
A small amount of radioactive material (radiotracer) is injected into your vein.
You may be asked to drink several glasses of water and empty your bladder.
Your scan may be done right away or a few hours later. If your scan is done right away, you will have a second scan in a few hours.
During the scan
You will lie on a narrow imaging table.
A large camera is placed close to your body.
Stay as still as you can while the camera takes the pictures. This will ensure the best images. You may be asked to change positions during the scan. This is to help get pictures at different positions.
The table or camera may be adjusted to take more pictures.
After the scan
You should not have any discomfort after the bone scan.
You can go back to your normal activities. You can drive after the scan.
Drink plenty of water for 1 to 2 days. This is to help clear the tracer from your body. It may take up to 2 days for the tracer to fully leave your body.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the test results with you during a follow-up visit or over the phone.