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Bone Scan: Procedure, Risks, and What to Expect
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of your bones. It is used to diagnose and monitor bone diseases, such as bone cancer, osteoporosis, and infections. This article will guide you through the process of a bone scan, explaining the procedure, potential risks, and what to expect before, during, and after the scan.
What is a Bone Scan?
A bone scan is a diagnostic test that helps doctors evaluate the health of your bones. It's a painless procedure that involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein. This tracer travels through your bloodstream and accumulates in areas of increased bone activity, such as areas with fractures, infections, or tumors.
Why is a Bone Scan Performed?
A bone scan can be used to diagnose a variety of bone conditions, including:
- Bone cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Bone infections
- Stress fractures
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Paget's disease (a bone disease that causes abnormal bone growth)
- Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply)
- To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for bone diseases
Preparation for a Bone Scan
Before your bone scan, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and any medications you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the scan. You will also need to fast for a few hours before the scan, usually 4-6 hours.
The Bone Scan Procedure
The bone scan procedure itself is relatively quick and painless. It typically involves the following steps:
- Injection of the Tracer: A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein in your arm.
- Waiting Period: You will need to wait for a few hours, usually 2-3 hours, for the tracer to circulate throughout your body and accumulate in your bones.
- Scanning: You will lie on a table while a special camera scans your bones. The camera detects the radioactive tracer and creates images of your bones.
- Allergic Reaction: You may have an allergic reaction to the tracer. This is rare, but it can occur.
- Radiation Exposure: Bone scans involve a small amount of radiation exposure. The amount of radiation you receive is very low and is considered safe. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before the scan.
- False Positive Results: In some cases, a bone scan may show abnormal results even if you do not have a bone disease. This is known as a false positive.
Risks of a Bone Scan
Bone scans are generally considered safe, but there are some potential risks, including:
After the Bone Scan
After the bone scan, you can return to your normal activities. You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer out of your system. You should be able to eat and drink normally.
Results of a Bone Scan
The results of your bone scan will be available in a few days. Your doctor will review the images and discuss the results with you.
Conclusion
A bone scan is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help doctors diagnose and monitor bone diseases. It is a safe and painless procedure that involves a small amount of radiation. If you are concerned about your bone health, talk to your doctor about whether a bone scan is right for you.