Why is this procedure done?
A bone scan is a test that uses a radioactive liquid tracer. It is a type of nuclear scan. The tracer is used to see the bones of the body and look for changes. If the tracer builds up in part of your bone, there is a dark area or "hot spot " �. A hot spot shows an injury, damage, or activity. Activity can be a bone growth or bone repair. There can also be a "cold spot " � where less tracer is taken in by a bone. � �
The tracer is given to you as a shot into a vein in your arm. A special camera is used to scan your body slowly and see the tracer. The camera takes pictures of your bones. � �
A bone scan is done to: � �
- Find where bone cells are breaking down or getting repaired
- Find bone tumors or cancer
- Find fractures not found on regular x-rays
- Find diet disorders in your bones like low vitamin D (rickets)
- Look for areas causing back pain
- Look for other health problems like infections, softening of the bone, swelling of the joints, or other damage like Pagets disease
What will the results be?
The scan will show pictures of your bones. Your doctor can see if you have certain health problems and tell you what kind of treatments may help. � �
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Other health problems you may have
- If you are or may be pregnant
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
- Your doctor may order:
- An x-ray test to check if there are any metal objects inside your body.
- Your doctor may ask you to take off your watch, jewelry, hearing aids, and all other metal objects on your body.
What happens during the procedure?
- First, the tracer will be injected into a vein. You will be asked to drink lots of fluids after the shot.
- You will be asked to wait 2 to 3 hours from the time of the shot until the scan starts and the first pictures are taken.
- You will need to empty your bladder before you start the scan.
- You will lie on an exam table. The staff will set up the scanner. A special camera is placed above and below the table to scan your body.
- The staff will position you while pictures are taken. You will need to stay still during the test. The staff will tell you when you can move again.
- The camera will detect the tracer in your body. The pictures taken will be saved for the doctor to review.
- The test will take about 30 minutes. Sometimes, another image may be taken after 24 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- The doctor will check the pictures to make sure they are clear. If they are not, you may need to have more pictures taken.
- You can go home right after your test.
What care is needed at home?
- Drink lots of fluids to help flush the tracer out of your body. The tracer will pass out in your urine.
- You can go back to your normal activities and diet right after the test.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of health problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding or bruising where the shot was given
- Infection
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �