What is a bone scan?
A bone scan is a special test used to look at the bones. It is a nuclear radiology test performed in the medical physics department.
- It is done to look for areas of change in bone.
- Or to see how well treatment is working.
Preparing for your bone scan
Before your scan you will have an injection of a small amount of radioactive substance.
- This helps to show up any abnormalities in the bone.
- This is not enough to be harmful.
- After the injection you can leave the department for a couple of hours. This allows the substance time to get to your bones.
- The nurse will tell you when to return to the department.
- While you are away drink a couple of extra pints of water to flush the injection through your body.
- Before the scan you will need to empty your bladder.
During your bone scan
- You usually wear your own clothes for the scan but sometimes you may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
- You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any metal objects such as keys, coins, belts, braces and jewellery.
- You lie down on a couch and have to keep very still while you go through the scanner.
- The scan can take between 30 to 60 minutes, but you'll be at the hospital for several hours.
After your bone scan
The small amount of radioactivity left in your body disappears within the next 24 hours. In this time you should avoid close contact with babies, children and pregnant women.
The results of your bone scan may show changes called hot spots. These are not always cancer. Bone changes can happen for other reasons like arthritis or previous broken bones. Your doctor will advise if any further tests are needed.
