Does a nuclear medicine perform bone scan?

A bone scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer that is taken up by areas of bone activity. A nuclear medicine technologist gives the tracer, often through an injection, and captures images with a special camera after the tracer has circulated. The nuclear medicine physician reviews the images and prepares a report for the doctor who requested the test.

The scan can show areas that need further assessment, but it does not by itself explain every cause of an abnormal finding. Your symptoms, examination, blood tests, and other imaging may be considered together.

Follow the imaging centre's instructions. You may be asked to drink fluids and empty your bladder regularly after the tracer is given. Tell the team if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have difficulty lying still, or have recently had another nuclear medicine test.

Wear comfortable clothing and remove metal items when asked. Keep your appointment details and ask when and how the report will reach your referring doctor.

A bone scan is usually arranged as a planned investigation. Contact the imaging team promptly if you develop troublesome swelling, breathing difficulty, or another severe reaction after an injection. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask what question the scan is intended to answer, whether you need additional images later the same day, and how the result will change your treatment plan. Confirm any medicine, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or kidney-related instructions before the appointment.