What is a bone scan?
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test that helps us look at the activity of some cells in your bones. A small amount of a radioactive material is used in this test. This is collected in the bones to show areas where it is breaking down or being repaired.
The breakdown and repair of bones is our body’s normal way of keeping our bone tissue healthy. In some diseases and conditions like cancer, bone infections, bone injury or fracture an imbalance can happen. This can be seen on a bone scan.
Is it safe?
The materials (radionuclides) used in nuclear medicine are generally safe. They have short half-life and leave your system naturally like through urine. To get your bone scan we need to inject “radiopharmaceutical”. This means a small amount of radioactivity has been mixed with a medicine that is specific for bones. The small radiation risk is outweighed by the information that we will be get from the scan.
Do I need to have this scan?
A doctor will have checked to make sure this is the best test for you.
If you have any concerns or would like further information contact the department where you are having your scan. If you do not understand why you need to have this scan please speak to the doctor who referred you.
How do I prepare for my bone scan?
There is nothing you need to do for this test before the injection.
Below is some general instructions to get you ready for the scan after your injection has been done.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids
- Empty your bladder as often as you need to
- You can eat normally
- Wear clothes that do not have any metal like zips or metal buttons.
- Remove metal objects like a watch, belt or necklace. Wedding ring will be ok.
Please let the staff know if you are on fluid restriction for any reason.
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
Due to radiation risk to the unborn child this scan should not be done if you are pregnant. If you know that you are pregnant, or you think you may be pregnant, contact the department on following numbers. Your scan may need to be postponed. Also let us know if you are breast-feeding. We have special instructions for you:
Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle: 01228 814701
West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven: 01946 523456
What do I expect during the whole procedure?
Your Injection
A small amount of liquid (radioactive tracer) will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand using a small needle. The ‘pinprick’ of the needle may hurt a bit but that is all. This is similar to a blood test you might have had in the past. After the injection you will have to wait for about 2 to 3 hours. The clinical staff will let you know the approximate time for your scan. You can leave the department and come back at your scan time if you want.
Your Scan
The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It has 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. It is not a fully closed system. The camera heads will be close to you. The detectors have touch sensors so they stop moving when they sense your body.
Before your scan starts you will be asked to:
- Go to the toilet to empty your bladder
- Remove all metal objects
- Lie flat on your back on a special couch
We will try our best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. A technologist will explain everything before the scan starts. They will be in the control room all the time. You will not feel anything during the scan. There are no after-effects of this scan. If you feel any discomfort at any time please let us know.
The scan can take about 25 minutes to 1 hour.
This depends on the information needed by the radiologist for reporting. It is very important that you keep still during the scan. If you think you will find this difficult speak to a member of staff before your appointment
After Your scan
When your scan is over the technologist will get you off the scanner. You may continue all your normal activities unless you have been advised not to.
A tiny amount of radioactivity will still be left in your body. This will not be a significant risk to other people around you. The radioactivity will break down on its own. For the rest of the day we suggest that you:
- Try to keep any time that you spend with pregnant women, babies and small children as short as possible. Try to stay at arm’s length. There is no need to stop giving children essential love and care.
- Drink plenty of liquids. This will help clear the radioactivity quicker.
Travelling Abroad
It is perfectly safe for you to travel abroad after your scan. Many airports and seaports have very sensitive radiation detectors. It is possible that the very small amount of radioactivity left in your body could set off an alarm as you go through security. If you are going to to travel abroad within 1 week after your scan, it will be helpful to take something to explain that you have recently had this scan. This could be your appointment letter or other official confirmation from the department where you had your scan.
Your Results
A nuclear medicine physician / radiologist will report your bone scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan not your GP. Unless your GP asked for the scan. This is because the doctor who asked for your scan will have all the results from other tests. They will be able to tell you how the result of your bone scan affects your care plan.
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302