How long will a bone scan take?

Are you wondering how long it will take to get a bone scan? Whether you’re getting one for medical purposes or just because you want to see your bones light up like glow sticks, we’ve got all the information you need right here!

What is a Bone Scan?

First things first, let’s talk about what a bone scan actually is. A bone scan is an imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to detect abnormalities in bones. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, fractures, and infections.

The Procedure

So now that we know what a bone scan is let’s dive into how the procedure works.

Pre-Scan

Before you arrive at the clinic for your bone scan make sure not wear any clothing with metal buttons or zippers as these could affect the image quality during your examination.

When arriving at the clinic there will be forms for filling out – this shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes but if there are hospital staff around (which they always are), feel free to ask them questions whilst waiting in line.

Don’t forget to tell them if:

  • You have had surgery recently (in case of metal implants)
  • If pregnant

You’ll also receive instructions on drinking plenty of water before and after kidney scans (yeah! Feeling hydrated).

During

The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on which part of your body needs scanning.

For most patients undergoing whole-body bone scans, surgical technologists place an intravenous injection site generally in their hand/arm enabling easy access for entire body circulation ensuring even distribution of radiation throughout your bloodstream facilitating quicker results.
Some other potential areas include:
– Your foot;
– Your pelvis; or
– Spine.

Once everything’s sorted and ready(reach back start countdown) . Inhale – exhale and relax, the technologist will then proceed with injecting you with a radiotracer.

After 30 minutes to an hour has passed, depending on whether they’re doing whole-body scans or capturing specific areas of your body. The accumulation timeframe of our widely-used tracer ’99mTechnetium’ marks these sites for proper imaging.

Post-Scan

Once the scan is done it’s important at first not to touch anything until medical staff gives you green signals.

Within four hours the tracers would have been completely eliminated from your system through natural disposition mostly via urine and sweat glands. Expect however – since the medicine contains a small amount of radiation (potential superpowers) – that medical professionals might advise measures such as increasing fluid intake in order to speed up any residual excretion processes.

If there are no further concerns that need addressing regarding test outcomes rest assured just wait out this short period before going about normal routines (normal? very subjective term…).

Conclusion

It all comes back down to how much time needs dedicated towards specific conditions thus requiring tailored services resulting in variable durations required during bone-scan sessions…. It’s likely although won’t be excruciatingly painful, you’ll want quick results meaning potentially longer imaging periods may be requested but hey look on the bright side longer Naps could be taken inside air-conditioned rooms providing optimum levels comfort so make use whilst waiting!

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