Bone NM Scan

Overview-
Bone scans are performed to detect change in the bone metabolism. Bone scans are more sensitive than routine radiographs for certain types of fractures, infections and tumors in the bone.

Preparation-
No preparation is necessary.

Length of exam-
You will need to come to the Radiology Department and have an injection for the bone scan. You will be asked to leave and drink liquids for 2 to 3 hours. When you return to the department, usually 3 hours after the injection, you will be scanned. The scanning time takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

How is the exam performed?
The nuclear medicine technologist will give you an injection on the day of your exam. The injection is made of a type of radioactive material that travels through the blood stream to the bones. The injection will not cause side effects.
You will be asked to leave for 2 to 3 hours and drink fluid. This helps spread the material through your body.
When you return to the xray department, you will be asked to lie on the nuclear medicine table. A camera will move around taking images of your bones.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for education purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.