The scan itself can take up to an hour. The procedure is painless. Your doctor might order a three-phase bone scan, which includes a series of images taken at different times. A number of images are taken as the tracer is injected, then shortly after the injection, and again three to five hours after the injection. To better see some bones in your body, your doctor might order additional imaging called single-photon emission computerized tomography SPECT.
This imaging can help with conditions that are especially deep in your bone or in places that are difficult to see. A bone scan generally has no side effects, and no follow-up care is needed. The radioactivity from the tracers is usually completely eliminated two days after the scan. A doctor who specializes in reading images radiologist will look for evidence of abnormal bone metabolism on the scans.
These areas appear as darker "hot spots" and lighter "cold spots" where the tracers have or haven't accumulated. Although a bone scan is very sensitive to abnormalities in bone metabolism, it's less helpful in determining the exact cause of the abnormality. If you have a bone scan that shows hot spots, more testing may be needed to determine the cause. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and track several types of bone disease.
Hot spots Open pop-up dialog box Close. Hot spots Scan A shows hot spots dark areas in both knees, a sign of arthritis, and a possible fracture in the second toe of the right foot. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kasper DL, et al. If you are lactating, or breastfeeding, you should notify your health care provider due to the risk of contaminating breast milk with the tracer.
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.
We will discuss other options with you and your doctor. A gown will be provided for you. Lockers are provided to secure your personal belongings.
Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home. The injection of the radiotracer may cause some slight discomfort. Allergic reactions to the radiotracer are rare, but may occur. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the test.
Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear. Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required prior to a bone scan. Notify the radiologist or technologist if you are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, or iodine.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. A bone scan may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. You may be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the procedure. An intravenous IV line will be started in the hand or arm for injection of the tracer.
The tracer will be injected into your vein. The tracer will be allowed to concentrate in the bone tissue for a period of one to three hours. You may be allowed to walk around or even leave the facility during this time.
You will not be hazardous to other people, as the tracer emits less radiation than a standard X-ray. During the waiting period, you will need to drink several glasses of water four to six glasses to help flush out any tracer that does not concentrate into the bone tissue. If your bone scan is being done to detect bone infection, a set of scans may be done immediately after the injection of the tracer.
You may be asked to change positions. You may be scanned right after the injection and again after 3 to 4 hours. After the scan, the radiotracer quickly loses its radioactivity. It passes out of the body through urine pee or stool poop within the first few hours or days after the test. The amount of radiation is small similar to an x-ray. You will be given instructions for special precautions after the test. Drinking fluids helps flush the radiotracer from your body.
It is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet. You may be instructed to flush the toilet twice immediately after using it. You may have soreness or swelling at the injection site. In very rare cases, allergic reactions to the radiotracer can happen. A normal bone scan shows the radiotracer spread evenly among the bones, and no areas have too little or too much tracer.
An abnormal bone scan shows hot spots or cold spots. Hot spots are areas of bone where the tracer has collected. Hot spots can be caused by bone cancer, arthritis, a bone infection or disease. Cold spots are areas of bone where there is no tracer. Cold spots can be caused by a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, or a lack of blood supply to the bone. Preparing children before a test or procedure can help lower their anxiety, increase their cooperation and develop their coping skills.
This includes explaining to children what will happen during the test, such as what they will see, feel and hear.
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