A bone scan is a diagnostic procedure that shows the structure and function of your bones. Certain diseases can alter the blood flow to your bones, and a bone scan can reveal abnormalities that may indicate disease.

How Do I Prepare for the Exam?
There is no special diet or preparation necessary for a bone scan. You may eat and take your medications as you normally do.

Let the technologist know if you're pregnant or you think you might be.

What Will the Procedure Be Like?
The procedure will be performed by a technologist specializing in nuclear medicine technology. The technologist has completed a rigorous course in education and training and works under the supervision of a radiologist to help ensure the most accurate results from your examination.

There are basically three types of bone scans - total body, regional and 3-phase - but each is performed similarly. After you arrive in the nuclear medicine department, you will be given an injection of a special "tracer" drug that will show up on the bone scan. Images are taken two to four hours later, after the drug has had time to circulate through your body. (If you're having a 3-phase scan, a series of images will be taken immediately after the injection, in addition to the later images.)

After the injection of the tracer, our staff will let you know what time you need to return for the imaging portion of the scan. During this two- to four-hour break, you'll be asked to drink at least 32 oz. of liquids and to empty your bladder (urinate) as often as possible before returning. You may eat and continue taking your medications, if needed.

When you return, the bone scan images are made, which usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. After the images are completed, you may leave the hospital and return to your normal activities. Results from the scan will be sent to your doctor.