Bone Scan
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What is the
test?
This is a nuclear scan, also called a radionuclide
scan. In a bone scan, a radioactive tracer accumulates
in places in your bones with a lot of repair
activity. In this way, the tracer is used to
identify areas that might be injured due to a
fracture, bone infection, arthritis, or invading
cancer. The tracer gives off gamma rays, which
can be detected using a specialized camera. The
camera relays information to a computer to produce
images of the bones being scanned. In the images,
bright spots appear in the areas where the tracer
has collected. Bone scans are most frequently
done for people with cancer to see if the cancer
has spread to bones.
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How
do I prepare for the test?
Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant.
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What
happens when the test is performed?
The test is performed in the radiology department
of a hospital. You will be given a radionuclide.
A machine with a specialized camera moves around
you. The procedure is painless, but the machine
can be noisy. The scan usually takes less than
an hour.
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What
risks are there from the test?
The radioactivity you are exposed to is too
small to cause side effects or complications
except to a fetus. The small amount of radioactivity
rapidly diminishes.
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Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
No.
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How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
Results are usually available within a few days.
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