A bone scan is an imaging test used to look for abnormalities in your bone. According to the Mayo Clinic, this painless test requires no preparation.
Purposes
The National Institutes of Health states that the purpose of a bone scan is to detect fractures, bone tumors, osteomyelitis (a bone infection) and metabolic disorders (disruption in the way your body uses energy).
Procedure
During a bone scan, you will receive an injection of tracers (substances that allow your doctor to see your bone) into your arm. You will wait two to four hours for the tracers to accumulate in your bones. Then you will lie on a table, and a machine will pass over your body and record the tracer images, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Results
According to the NIH, a normal result reveals an even distribution of tracer throughout your body. An abnormal result reveals an uneven amount of tracer with darkened areas and lightened areas.
Risks
The Mayo Clinic states that the bone scan contains few risks. The tracer contains a minimum amount of radiation, and allergies to the tracer are rare.
Alternative Names
The bone scan is also called a bone scintigraphy.
Member Comments