Bone Scan Test
Overview
Bone scans use nuclear imaging to help spot and monitor different bone conditions. This test uses a small amount of radioactive tracer, which a healthcare provider injects into the body. The tracer is attracted to areas in the bones that might be abnormal. A special camera then scans the body, capturing where the tracer collects, and a computer forms detailed images. Common reasons to use a bone scan include:
- Identifying areas of unexplained bone pain.
- Finding infections or injuries that may not appear on regular X-rays.
- Detecting cancer that has spread to the bones from other places, such as the breast or prostate.
| What It Detects | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Bone infections | Early identification and treatment |
| Hidden injuries | Locating breaks or damage |
| Cancer spread to bones | Helps guide cancer treatment |
Reasons for Needing This Test
A bone scan helps doctors find out why a patient is having bone pain that does not have an obvious cause. This test can pick up on changes in bone activity, which become visible with a special tracer. Doctors often use bone scans to spot or rule out problems such as fractures, arthritis, Paget’s disease, bone cancer, or cancer that has spread to bones from another place.
Doctors also use bone scans to look for infections in bones, joints, or joint replacements. A bone scan can help identify osteomyelitis, a bone infection. Below is a list of other health issues or injuries that might require a bone scan:
| Condition | Example Uses |
|---|---|
| Bone disease | Osteonecrosis, Paget’s Disease |
| Cancer | Breast, lung, prostate, liver |
| Injuries | Stress fractures, broken bones |
| Infections | Osteomyelitis |
| Pain issues | Complex regional pain syndrome |
| Arthritis | Thumb, wrist, or joint arthritis |
Possible Side Effects
Bone scans use small amounts of radioactive tracers. The radiation exposure from these tracers is low, even less than that from a standard CT scan.
Getting Ready for Your Bone Scan
Most people do not have to change their eating habits or daily routines before a bone scan. Let your healthcare provider know if you have taken any bismuth medication or had a barium X-ray in the last four days, as these can impact the scan results.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to your appointment, and remove all jewelry. Sometimes, you may need to change into a medical gown. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, let your healthcare team know, since bone scans are usually not advised due to radiation concerns.
Checklist Before Your Test
| Step | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Tell Provider | About bismuth medicine or recent barium X-ray. |
| Clothing | Wear loose clothes and no jewelry. |
| Pregnancy/Nursing | Inform if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. |
What You Can Expect
Getting the Radioactive Tracer
A healthcare provider injects a small amount of radioactive material, known as a tracer, into a vein in your hand or arm. The time between this injection and the scan can change based on why you need the scan. Sometimes, a provider takes a few pictures right after the injection. Most of the time, you wait about 2 to 4 hours so the tracer spreads through your body and your bones absorb it.
During this waiting period, your provider may instruct you to drink several glasses of water. Drinking extra water helps your body process and spread the tracer faster. Before heading in for the scan, you are usually asked to empty your bladder to remove any tracer not used by your bones.
Key Steps:
- Receive tracer injection in arm or hand.
- Wait 2–4 hours (unless told otherwise).
- Drink extra water as instructed.
- Use the restroom before the test begins.
Imaging and What Happens During the Scan
For the scan, you lie flat and still on a table while a camera designed for nuclear imaging moves over and around your body to detect the tracer. The camera may move slowly from head to toe to capture a whole-body scan. The imaging process is painless but can take up to an hour.
If your doctor needs more detailed pictures, they may use single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). This advanced imaging spins the camera around your body and creates more specific images of places that are hard to see with standard tests.
What Happens Following the Procedure
After a provider collects the images, you can usually return to your normal activities right away. Bone scans typically do not cause side effects. Continue drinking plenty of water over the next day or two to help flush any remaining tracer out of your body. The small amount of radioactivity leaves your body naturally, usually within 48 hours.
Findings
A radiologist reviews the images to look for areas on the bones where activity is not normal. These areas appear as dark “hot spots” or light “cold spots” on the scan. The differences happen depending on whether the tracer collects more or less in certain bone areas. Sometimes, hot spots indicate higher bone activity. If doctors find these, they may order extra tests to learn the reason for the changes.
