The length of time it takes to complete a bone scan will depend on the area being scanned. Generally, a bone scan takes about one to two hours; however, if the area being scanned is the lower extremities, such as hips and thighs, it can take up to three hours.
The scan itself only takes approximately 20 minutes. The remainder of the time is spent getting ready for the scan and waiting for the radioactive tracer to be absorbed by the body and concentrate in the area of interest.
How long does a bone scan take to complete?
A bone scan typically takes about two to three hours to complete. The actual scan itself only takes 30-45 minutes, but you will be required to check in, change clothes, and receive an injection or intravenous (IV) line prior to the scan.
The injection or IV line consists of a radioactive tracer which helps the doctor to visualize the areas with increased blood flow and activity which indicate a particular disease or injury. After the scan is complete, you may be asked to wait for several hours in order for the tracer to complete its circulation through your body.
Once this happens, the doctor will review the scan images and provide you with an assessment of your results.
How long does it take to get the results of a bone scan?
The length of time it takes to get the results of a bone scan depends on the procedure being performed and the specific imaging centers and laboratories used. Generally speaking, a standard bone scan usually takes anywhere between 3-5 hours to complete, and the results can be available within 24-48 hours following the scan.
Additionally, there are times when a radiologist may need to review the images before releasing the final report. If this is the case, it could take up to 1-2 days for the report to be released.
What happens during a bone scan?
A bone scan is a type of imaging test that can help diagnose problems or conditions that affect the bones in your body. It works by using a low level of radiation, usually in the form of a radioisotope, to create a picture of the bones.
The first step in the process is to give the patient an injection containing a radioisotope that contains radioactive material. This material is injected into the blood stream, and it will emit gamma rays which will be used to create images of the bones.
The doctor or technician can then use the computer to create a 3-D image of the bones.
After the injection, the patient is placed on a table which contains a special machine called a scanner. The scanner uses the gamma rays that were emitted from the injection to create an image of the bones, which will be interpreted by the doctor to diagnose any possible problems or diseases.
The entire process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of scanner used and the patient’s needs. After completion, the patient will be advised of any diagnosis, as well as any recommended treatments that may be necessary.
Will I feel sick after a bone scan?
Generally speaking, a bone scan should not make you feel sick. However, depending on the type of bone scan you are having and the duration of the procedure, you may experience some side effects.
If you are receiving a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) bone scan, it is common to experience feelings of nausea, dizziness, anxiety, or pain in the area of the injection site due to the radiation used in the procedure.
It is also possible to experience an allergic reaction if you are allergic to the contrast material used during the procedure.
If you are having a nuclear medicine bone scan, you may experience feelings of anxiety or discomfort during the injection of the radioactive tracer material, as well as nausea, dizziness, or dry mouth from the radioactive material itself.
If you have any concerns or experience on of these side effects before or after your bone scan, it is important to contact your doctor.
Do you take clothes off for bone scan?
No, you do not need to take off your clothes for a bone scan. Depending on the type of scan you are having, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown or to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bone scans involve the injection of a small amount of radioactive material so that a specialized imaging machine can detect the radiation and create detailed images of the bones.
Some types of nuclear medicine scanning require patients to wear a lead apron to protect them from any radiation exposure, although a bone scan typically does not. During the scan, the patient lies on a table, and the imaging machine is positioned above the body part being imaged.
The entire scan generally takes between 15 and 90 minutes.
What should you avoid before a bone scan?
It is important to avoid certain items and activities prior to a bone scan. It is best to avoid taking any vitamins, supplements, or natural health products that contain iron, such as multivitamins, iron pills, or herbal remedies, as they may interfere with the test.
Additionally, you should avoid eating or drinking any dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, or high fiber foods for at least 24 hours before the scan. Lastly, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise or activities that involve carrying or lifting objects for at least 24 hours prior to the scan.
Can I drink water before a bone scan?
Yes, you can drink water before a bone scan. It is best to avoid food and beverages that contain caffeine or labels like “natural flavorings” prior to the scan as those can interfere with the test results.
Drinking water before the scan is not only allowed, but recommended as it helps to make sure that the imaging can be seen clearly. You should make sure to only drink a reasonable amount of water leading up to the scan and not drink a lot of it just before the scan as it can cause you to have to urinate during the procedure.
You should always speak with your doctor or technician about any specific instructions you need to follow prior to the exam.
How painful is a bone scan?
Bone scans are generally not overly painful and most people find them to be relatively comfortable. During the procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into your arm and then images are taken of your bones which helps detect changes in your bones.
This may cause some slight discomfort as the injection is administered, but it is usually very minimal. Additionally, if the scan requires multiple images to be taken, you may experience some slight discomfort as you hold different positions on the table during the imaging process.
Overall, most people find bone scans to be tolerable during and after the procedure.
Are Bone scans claustrophobic?
No, bone scans are generally not considered to be claustrophobic. Bone scans use a type of imaging technique called Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). This type of imaging does not require the person to be in a closed or enclosed space, like a CT or MRI scan.
Instead, the imaging is conducted in a room with regular lights and minimal noise, making it much more comfortable than other imaging methods. Additionally, the test only takes a few minutes and the person having it can remain mostly stationary; they just need to hold still while images are taken.
Overall, bone scans are not known to be particularly claustrophobic and can be very calming and comfortable for those having to undergo the scan.
Does a bone scan show all cancers?
No. A bone scan is an imaging test used to diagnose and monitor treatment of medical conditions such as cancer, fractures, and arthritis. It is used to detect cancer that has spread to the bones, but it cannot detect all types of cancer.
Other imaging tests may be needed to detect other types of cancer, such as a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan. Additionally, a bone scan won’t show if cancer is located outside of the bone, such as in the lungs or other organs.
Your doctor will decide which tests are needed to diagnose cancer.
What are the disadvantages of a bone scan?
Bone scans are a beneficial diagnostic tool; however, there are some disadvantages associated with them. First, bone scans can produce false-positive results. This means that the scan may indicate a problem exists when none actually does.
Additionally, not all tissues absorb the radioactive chemicals used in a bone scan equally, which can also lead to an inaccurate reading. Finally, a bone scan requires exposure to radiation, and while the amount is fairly minimal, any amount of radiation poses some potential health risks such as an increased risk of cancer, DNA changes, and organ damage.
For patients with pre-existing conditions or young children, the risks may be even greater. As such, it is important to discuss the risks of a bone scan carefully with your healthcare provider before deciding to proceed.
Should I stay away from people after bone scan?
Whether or not you should stay away from people after a bone scan is largely dependent on why you had the bone scan in the first place. If the bone scan is being used to diagnose a communicable disease, such as tuberculosis or a virus, then it is important to stay away from people in order to reduce the risk of infecting them with the illness.
However, if the bone scan is simply being done for diagnostic tests and does not involve a suspected contagious illness, then you may not need to stay away from people as long as you are not experiencing symptoms.
It is important to talk with your doctor if you are unsure whether or not you should stay away from people after a bone scan. Your doctor can provide personalized advice and let you know the best course of action.
Additionally, it is important to continue following the safety guidelines provided by your local health department to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading a contagious illness.
How quickly do you get bone scan results?
The amount of time it takes to get the results of a bone scan depends on several factors, including the type of scan and facility you’re using, as well as how quickly the results are needed. Generally, most bone scan results will take 1 to 3 days to be returned to the patient.
However, some urgent cases can be processed within 24 hours at certain specialized imaging centers. During the scan, a special type of dye will be injected into a vein, and will accumulate in areas of the bone that are not functioning properly.
The scanning machine takes images of the bones and the dye in order to detect abnormalities. After that, a qualified radiologist will interpret the results and return them to the patient as quickly as possible.
If additional tests are required, the process may take a little longer.