Nuclear Bone Scan

Bone scans are used to determine if there are areas of healing, inflammation, infection, tumor growth, bone formation or bone destruction. Bone scans are commonly used to diagnose stress fractures, sports injuries, back pain, and to determine the presence and/or extent of arthritis, bone cancer, and other sources of unexplained pain.

The bone scan is done in two parts. During part 1, the radiopharmaceutical is injected into the vein. Images of the blood flow to the area may or may not be taken at the same time. You will then be given a time to return to the department that is anywhere between 2 – 5 hours later. You are free to do whatever you like during the waiting period and you should not experience any side effects. When you return for part 2, the imaging will take 30 minutes – 1 hour, depending on the bones being imaged.

For more information, visit Nuclear Medicine, FAQs, or Duration & Test Preparation Instructions.