Bone Scan (with preparation)

Patient Information Leaflet

What is a Nuclear Medicine Scan?

• A nuclear medicine scan is a very common medical procedure.
• It uses small amounts of radioactive materials to highlight a specific organ.
• This helps your Doctor diagnose (find the problem) and, in some cases, treat a number of diseases.
• The scan uses a gamma camera to look for signs of disease.
• It shows the Doctor how well your organs are working. Other types of scans show what your organs look like.

What is a Bone Scan?

• A nuclear medicine bone scan shows how an injury, disease (like cancer), or infection is affecting your bones.
• It can also show if a bone problem has gotten better or worse after treatment.
• A radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) is injected into a vein.
• It attaches to the bones and is detected by a gamma camera that takes pictures that show how the bones are working.

Do I have to do anything to prepare for this procedure?

• Yes. You must drink plenty of water between your injection and your scan.
• Empty your bladder as needed.
• You may take your medications and eat normally for this procedure.

What happens on the day of the scan?

On arrival

• A small amount of a radioactive tracer will be injected into your vein, which helps us see your bones with a special camera.
• You can leave the department after this and go and rest.

3 to 4 hours after the injection

• You will be asked to come back after 3 to 4 hours, so that we can scan your bones.
• The entire scan can take up to 45 minutes.
• It is important that you keep still during the scan.

Is it dangerous?

• The scans are safe and painless.
• Because a small amount of radioactive tracer is used, there is only a very small risk of radiation exposure.
• If you have any worries or questions about the scan, please talk to your Doctor or contact the Nuclear Medicine department.

Are there any precautions?

• Please tell the Nuclear Medicine Technologist or Radiographer if you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding before you come to your appointment.
• You might need to stop breastfeeding for a short time after your scan.
• Please tell us if you are very afraid of needles (needle phobia), feel anxious in small spaces (claustrophobia), or cannot lie down flat.

What happens after the scan?

• Drink lots of water.
• The radioactive tracer leaves your body through your pee (urine). Drinking lots of water will help get rid of it faster.
• Do not have any blood or urine tests for 24 hours after your scan because the radioactive tracer may still be in your body.

How do I get my result?

• A Radiologist reviews (looks at) the scan and sends the report to the Specialist Doctor who asked for it. They will then contact you directly.
• This can take about 2 to 3 weeks.

Is there anything else I should know?

• You will need to lie down flat and stay still during the scan. Moving can make the pictures unclear.
• The scan can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. This will depend on the type of procedure you are having.
• A CT scan (computerized tomography) might be done at the same time as your nuclear medicine scan to give us extra information.
• Please do not bring anyone with you who is pregnant or under 18 years old. This is because there are radioactive materials in the department.
• We do not allow anyone under 18 to translate for patients.
• If you need an interpreter, please tell the Nuclear Medicine department, and they will arrange one for you.

Contact our service

Email: whh-tr.nuclearmedwhitthealth@nhs.net
Tel: 020 7288 5517 Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm
Friday's: Please call our mobile on 07747 037 143