$Unique_ID{BRK01043}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is a Bone Scan?}
$Subject{bone scan pain pains Special procedure Procedures Laboratory Tests
abnormalities infections fractures tumors radionuclide radioactive injected
injection injections scanner Scans scanning Lab Test abnormality infection
fracture tumor bones}
$Volume{P-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a Bone Scan?


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QUESTION:  My father's physician is suggesting a bone scan to try and
determine the cause of an ongoing pain.  I would like to reassure Dad about
the procedure, but I don't understand anything about it.  Will you help?

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ANSWER:  Bone scans are used to evaluate bones and to detect areas containing
abnormalities that may have been caused by infections, fractures, tumors, or
other disorders.  They are safe and sometimes provide more detailed
information than x-rays do.
     When a bone scan is performed, a liquid containing a little radionuclide
(radioactive material) is injected into a vein.  In about two hours, when the
bones have has time to absorb the material, the scan begins.  The radionuclide
emits signals that a scanner can detect, and these signals are converted into
images of the bones.  Signals from problem areas differ from normal ones, so
that they reveal areas where something may be amiss.  The pattern of the image
offers clues to the physician that can help form an opinion or make a
diagnosis.  Scans take about 45 minutes.  During the procedure, the patient
lies still on a table as the scanner moves around his body.  For some types of
equipment where the scanner remains stationary, the table will be moved.
Immediately following the scan, your Dad will be able to return home.
Radionuclide is excreted from the patient's body within a day or two.  When
bone abnormalities are discovered by scanning, other tests may be necessary to
clarify a difficult situation, and assure an accurate diagnosis.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.