Bone scan

From Freepedia

A bone scan is a nuclear medicine study.

A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the blood.

Images are taken by detecting the radioactivity coming out of the body. This is done using a Gamma camera.

About half of the radioactive material is localised by the bones. The more active the bone turn over the more radioactive material will be seen. Some tumors, fractures and infections show up as areas of increased uptake. Others can cause decreased uptake of radioactive material.

About half of the radioactive material leaves the body through the kidneys and bladder as urine. This is why it is important to drink a lot of water before, during and after the exam. Anyone having a study should empty their bladder immediately before images are taken.

From injection to completion can take over 4 hours. Actual images are taken for about 30-70 minutes. Sometimes late images are taken at 24 hours after injection.

Anyone who thinks or knows that they are pregnant and is considering a bone scan should discuss the pregnancy with a nuclear medicine physician before agreeing to or receiving the injection.