What is a Bone Scan?
(also known as Wholebody Bone Scan and Localised 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 cannot be seen on a standard X-ray. It safely uses a very small amount of a radioactive drug called a radiopharmaceutical; this drug will not impair you in any way.
(also known as Wholebody Bone Scan and Localised 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 cannot be seen on a standard X-ray. It safely uses a very small amount of a radioactive drug called a radiopharmaceutical; this drug will not impair you in any way.
This scan is different to a DEXA/BMD- Bone Mineral Density.
How long does a Bone scan take?
Please allow between 4 - 5 hours to complete your scan. Due to the length this scan takes appointments are only made in the morning.
What preparation is there for a Bone Scan?
No preparation is required for this scan. Please bring your referral from the doctor, any relevant recent scans/tests, and your Medicare card.
What does a bone scan involve?
A bone scan is conducted in 2 parts:
First part takes 30 minutes and involves a small injection in a vein in your arm and some scan pictures are taken immediately.
You will then be given a time to return to the practice, usually 2 – 3 hours after the injection.
When you return for the second part, your scan will take 1 hour. You will not be under the scanner for an entire hour, a series of different pictures are taken.
When are the results available?
After your scan is completed a Nuclear Medicine Physician will review your scan and write a report of the results. This report and the scan images will be sent securely electronically to your referring doctor/specialist. If you require your results to be sent to a different doctor please advise the staff on the day of your scan.
Are there any costs for this scan?
No, your scan will be Bulk Billed. This means there is NO out of pocket cost for you if you qualify for Medicare.