WHAT IS IT?
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine scan used to evaluate the bones.
PURPOSE
Bone scans help radiologists identify unknown pain sources, bone damage or trauma as well as detect if or to what extent cancer or other disease that has spread into bones.
HOW IT WORKS
As with other nuclear medicine tests, a radioactive substance (tracer) is injected into the arm and travels through the body, in this case to the bones where it is absorbed. A special gamma camera takes pictures of the tracer’s path and highlights problem areas for the radiologist’s interpretation.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
You will be asked to wear a gown and remove any jewelry. A tracer will be injected into your arm and allowed to bind to your bones (could take two to five hours). You will lie on your back on an exam table, and a large camera will move slowly around your body, picking up any radiation released by the tracer and producing images. You may be asked to move into different positions but will need to remain still while in each position. This part of the procedure could take up to an hour. Your body will eliminate most of the tracer through urine or stool within a day, and results will be available in about two days.
HOW TO PREPARE
Before the procedure, tell your doctor if you are or could be pregnant. Also inform your doctor if you have taken bismuth-containing medicines such as Pepto-Bismol. Both barium and bismuth can interfere with the results of your bone scan. Bring something to read as your procedure could take up to three hours or more. Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about the test.