Full Body Bone Scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and track several types of bone disease using tiny amounts of radioactive materials called tracers (radionuclides). These tracers accumulate in certain organs and tissues, such as bones.
What can I expect from a nuclear scan?
Testing begins by placing an IV in your arm and injecting the radioactive tracer. You will then sit in the waiting area for about 20 and 45 minutes to allow the tracer to be absorbed by the heart muscle. After the waiting period, we will take pictures of the blood flow to your heart muscle with the nuclear camera.
How long does a full body nuclear scan take?
A nuclear scan usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes , plus the waiting time after the radioactive material is given. For bone scans, the material takes 2 to 3 hours to be absorbed.
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.
What is the difference between a CT scan and a nuclear bone scan?
A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that aids in the diagnosis and tracking of several bone diseases . A CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create images of the bones. In a bone scan, the physician injects a radioactive material or tracer into the vein to highlight the problematic areas.
Can you drive after a nuclear scan?
While you are walking on the treadmill, a second small amount of Myoview is administered. Following the treadmill test, there is another waiting period followed by a second imaging scan. If you are an outpatient, you will be permitted to drive after your test is completed .
Does nuclear medicine make you tired?
Nuclear medicine is very safe. You should not experience side effects such as fatigue , dizziness, nausea, or headache. You can leave the doctor’s office and resume your normal activities immediately. Radiation from the isotope typically leaves the body through normal excretion within one day.
Why do they numb your throat for a stress test?
You are also given medicine (local anesthetic) to numb your throat . This helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure. An exercise stress test measures how your heart deals with the stress of physical activity. You are connected by wires to an ECG monitor.
What happens during a nuclear stress test without exercise?
Without exercise
In a chemical stress test, the patient receives medications that either speed up the heart rate or dilate the arteries . The body responds in a similar way it would to exercise. A radionuclide is injected into the patient’s arm or hand while resting.
What should I avoid after a nuclear stress test?
Do not eat chocolate or drink coffee, tea, soda, colas or other caffeinated beverages such Mountain Dew or energy drinks . If you are unsure, do not drink it. See the table below for more details. The table below also has a list of medications containing caffeine.
How long does it take for Nuclear Medicine to leave the body?
The nuclear imaging agent is out of your system within 60 hours , but it is always decaying so it becomes minimal in a relatively short period of time.
What does an abnormal bone scan look like?
Results are considered abnormal when the scan shows darker “hot spots” or lighter “cold spots” in the bones . Hot spots describe places where an excess of radioactive substance has collected. Cold spots, on the other hand, are areas where it didn’t collect at all.
Do you have to take your clothes off for a bone scan?
No special preparations are needed . You may be able to remain fully clothed, depending on the area of your body being scanned. But you’ll need to remove any clothes that have metal fasteners, such as zips, hooks or buckles. In some cases, you may need to wear a gown.
Why would someone need a bone scan?
Why might I need a bone scan? Bone scans are used primarily to detect the spread of metastatic cancer . Because cancer cells multiply rapidly, they will appear as a hot spot on a bone scan. This is due to the increased bone metabolism and bone repair in the area of the cancer cells.
Why would a doctor order a full body scan?
Why doctors order full body CT scans
Detect internal injuries and bleeding . Find blood clots, tumors, and infections . Show bone fractures and muscle inflammation . Monitor diseases of the heart, liver, and lungs .
Does a nuclear bone scan show osteoporosis?
A three-phase bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that shows how the bones process an injected agent. A DEXA bone scan is a type of X-ray that tests bone strength and density to diagnose osteoporosis.
