WHAT IS A BONE SCAN?

A Bone scan is a diagnostic test used to identify many conditions of the bones including infection, arthritis, degeneration, fractures, sports injuries and malignancy.

A Bone scan can also be called a Whole-body Bone Scan, WBBS, SPECT Scan, Localised Bone Scan or LBBS.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BONE SCAN?

Part 1. When you arrive, you will be given a small injection of a radiotracer. This allows us to see your bones on your scan. The injection should not make you feel any different. Some patients will also have a scan immediately following the injection. This is called a Blood Flow and/or Blood Pool Image. This takes approximately 15minutes. You can then leave the department for 2-3hours. In this time, you can go about your normal activities and you can eat and drink as normal. The imaging staff will advise you of a return time for Part 2.

Part 2. On return to the department the imaging staff will perform scans of your bones. This usually take between 30-60 minutes and the number and types of images performed is dependent upon why you are having a Bone Scan.

HOW LONG DOES A BONE SCAN TAKE?

The test can take 3-4 hours.

PREPARATION REQUIRED FOR A BONE SCAN?

• Please make staff aware if you think you maybe pregnant or if you are breast-feeding prior to making an appointment.
• Please bring previous scans which maybe relate to the area under investigation.
• Eat and drink as normal on the day of your scan.

WHEN WILL MY DOCTOR RECEIVE MY RESULTS?

Your Referring Doctor will receive your results within 48hrs.