|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Bone Scans |
|
|
What is a bone scan?
Bone imaging is one of the most commonly performed nuclear medicine tests. Bone scans are used to detect arthritis, osetoporosis, neoplasms, fractures and sports injuries, tumors and metastatic disease, as well as evaluate unexplained bone pain. Pictures can be taken of your entire body or only a certain area will be examined in detail. Your bone scan may be compared with an x-ray to obtain the maximum amount of information about your medical problem.
Are nuclear medicine procedures (bone scans) safe?
Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe. A patient only receives an extremely small amount of tracer (radioactive solution), just enough to provide accurate diagnostic information.
Who performs the bone scans?
A nuclear medicine technologist, a healthcare professional trained and experienced in the practice of nuclear medicine procedures, performs the test by administering the tracer, positioning the patient under the camera and operating the equipment used in the test. The images are then interpreted by a Suburban Imaging radiologist (medical doctor with special training in x-ray studies and nuclear medicine procedures.)
How you should prepare
There are no restrictions prior to this exam. You may eat, drink and take all of your prescribed medications. Wear comfortable clothes without metal fasteners, including zippers, buttons and snaps. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration. Bring with you: Your appointment form; insurance information, including your insurance card; valid photo i.d. Please let us know about any of the following: Pregnancy, known or possible; if you are a nursing mother; allergies or sensitivities to any substances or drugs
Why do I need to bring my previous scan or x-rays?
Past scans or x-rays are used by the radiologists to compare those studies to the new scan.
How is the procedure done?
Bone scans are performed in two parts. During the first portion of the exam, a small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected in a vein in your arm. The tracer is carried into the blood to the skeletal system where it is distributed throughout your bones.
It takes several hours for the tracer to be absorbed by your bones. You may leave Suburban Imaging after you receive the injection and return about 2-4 hours later for the imaging portion of the exam. You will be asked to drink extra liquids during this time. The technologist will give you a specific time to come back to Suburban Imaging.
When you return, you will lie on your back on a cushioned table while images are taken, which takes about 30-45 minutes. The nuclear medicine camera will take images of a specific area or your entire body. A nuclear medicine technologist will be in the room with you for the entire time.
Depending on the information your healthcare provider requested, you may have two sets of images taken. The first set will be taken immediately after the tracer is injected, and will take between 15-30 minutes. You will leave Suburban Imaging and return for the second set of images as described above.
How long does this test take?
You should allow four hours for this exam. Once you have the injection, you may leave the imaging center and return in about three hours for the imaging part of the scan.
How long will the radioactive tracer material stay in my system?
In general, the tracer you are given will remain in your body for a short period of time and is cleared from the body through natural bodily functions. Drinking fluids will help eliminate the tracer more quickly.
After your exam
Unless directed otherwise, you can resume normal activities immediately after this exam. The tracer remains in your body for a short time and it cleared through natural bodily functions.
Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist specializing in body imaging. The findings will be sent to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the results.
Bone Scans are available at: Coon Rapids and Southdale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
