Bone scan
About this test
A bone scan is a test that uses nuclear imaging to help diagnose and track several types of bone disease. Nuclear imaging involves using small amounts of radioactive substances, called radioactive tracers, a special camera that can detect the radioactivity and a computer. These tools are used together to see structures such as bones inside the body.
Why it's done
A bone scan might help determine the cause of bone pain that can't be explained. The test is sensitive to differences in bone metabolism, which the radioactive tracer highlights in the body. Scanning the whole skeleton helps in diagnosing a wide range of bone conditions, including: Fractures. Arthritis. Paget's disease of bone. Cancer that begins in the bone. Cancer that has spread to bone from a different site. Infection of the joints, joint replacements or bones.
Risks and complications
Although the test relies on radioactive tracers to create the images, these tracers produce little radiation exposure — less than a CT scan.
How to prepare
You usually don't need to restrict your diet or restrict activities before a bone scan. Tell your healthcare professional if you've taken a medicine containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, or if you've had an X-ray test using barium contrast material within the past four days. Barium and bismuth can interfere with bone scan results. Wear loose clothing and leave jewelry at home. You might be asked to wear a gown for the scan. Bone scans aren't usually performed on people who are pregnant or nursing because of concerns about radiation exposure to the baby. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant — or think you might be pregnant — or if you're nursing.
What to expect
A bone scan procedure includes both an injection and the actual scan.
Understanding your results
A specialist in reading images, called a radiologist, looks at the scans for evidence of bone metabolism that's not typical. These areas appear as darker "hot spots" and lighter "cold spots" where the tracers have or haven't collected. Although a bone scan is sensitive to differences in bone metabolism, it's less helpful in determining the cause of the differences. If you have a bone scan that shows hot spots, you might need more tests to determine the cause.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.