How long does a nuclear bone scan take?
How long does the test take? A whole body bone scan takes around 3-4 hours, which includes two separate visits. In the first visit you will be given an injection of a radioactive isotope into a vein in your arm. There are no side effects to this injection.
What happens during a bone scan?
During a bone scan, a radioactive substance is injected into a vein that is taken up by your bones. You’ll then be monitored for several hours. A very small amount of radiation is used in the substance, and nearly all of it is released from your body within two or three days.
Do they put you to sleep for a bone scan?
During the Test The needle will be removed after the injection, if your child is not having anesthesia. If your child needs to be given anesthetic (sleeping medicine) the IV will stay in until the test is over.
Is bone scan test painful?
While the bone scan itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly in the case of a recent injury or invasive procedure such as surgery.
Why would a doctor order a nuclear bone scan?
A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and track several types of bone disease. Your doctor may order a bone scan if you have unexplained skeletal pain, a bone infection or a bone injury that can’t be seen on a standard X-ray.
Can you wear a bra during a bone density test?
Patient should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sweat suits and casual attire without zippers, buttons, grommets, metal hooks, or underwire bra. Gowns are available, if necessary.
What are the side effects of a nuclear bone scan?
Side effects associated with the bone scan procedure include pain and discomfort. The patient may feel pain as the IV containing the radioactive material is inserted into her vein.
How does nuclear medicine do a bone scan?
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test. This means that the procedure uses a very small amount of a radioactive substance, called a tracer . The tracer is injected into a vein. The tracer is absorbed in different amounts and those areas are highlighted on the scan. When cells and tissues are changing, they absorb more of the tracer.
What does a nuclear bone scan show?
A nuclear bone scan, also known as radionuclide imaging or bone scintigraphy , gives us a black and white graphical depiction of the entire human skeleton, including areas of greater darkening around areas of bone that have become injured, in some way. The cellular metabolism in our bone tissues vary, depending on the physical health of our bones.
What is cost of nuclear bone scans?
On MDsave, the cost of a Nuclear Imaging ranges from $246 to $2,957. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how it works.
