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The Bone Scan test is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to identify bone conditions such as fractures, infections, or cancer. It is a non-invasive and quick procedure, with the cost varying by lab and city. While generally safe, some mild discomfort may occur during the injection of the radioactive material. The test helps doctors assess bone health effectively.
What is the Bone Scan Test?
A bone scan is a medical imaging test to diagnose and evaluate bone diseases, injuries, infections, or tumors. It is a type of nuclear medicine imaging that uses a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to detect abnormalities in bone metabolism.
During a bone scan, the tracer is injected into a vein in your arm and then allowed to circulate throughout your body. The tracer is absorbed by your bones and emits gamma rays which are detected by a specialized camera. Areas of increased bone activity appear as bright spots on the scan, which may indicate an area of injury, infection, or cancer.
Bone scans are often used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as osteoporosis, bone infections, bone tumors, and fractures that may not appear on traditional X-rays. They are generally safe and painless, although some people may experience mild discomfort during the injection of the tracer.
Why is the Bone Scan Test Done?
A bone scan can be used for the following purposes:
- Determine whether you have a bone tumor or not.
- Assess whether a malignancy that started elsewhere in your body has progressed to your bones. Breast, lung, prostate, thyroid, and kidney cancers are common tumors that spread to the bones.
- When a fracture cannot be visible on a standard x-ray, it can be diagnosed (most commonly hip fractures, stress fractures in the feet or legs, or spine fractures) with the help of bone scan.
- Determine the cause of a bone infection (osteomyelitis).
- When no other cause of bone pain has been discovered, diagnose or ascertain the cause.
- Metabolic problems such as osteomalacia, primary hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, complicated regional pain syndrome, and Paget disease should be evaluated.
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In order to do a bone scan, a very little quantity of radioactive material (radiotracer) is injected into a vein. The chemical is carried by your blood to your bones and organs.
- Images may be obtained quickly after the radioactive material is injected and again 3 to 4 hours later when it has gathered in the bones if a bone scan is performed to determine if you have a bone infection. This is known as a 3-phase bone scan.
- Images are obtained only after a 3- to 4-hour wait to determine whether cancer has gone to the bone (metastatic bone disease).
- The scanning portion of the exam will last around one hour. The camera on the scanner may move above and around you. You might need to switch positions.
- You will most likely be urged to drink more water after receiving the radiotracer to prevent the substance from accumulating in your bladder.
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How Should I Prepare for the Bone Scan Test?
Following are the steps to prepare for the bone scan test:
- Jewelry and other metal things must be removed. You could be required to wear a hospital gown.
- Inform your doctor if you are or suspect you are pregnant.
- Take no bismuth-containing medications, such as Pepto-Bismol, for four days before the test.
- Follow all the instructions properly which are given by the doctor.
How Do I Understand My Bone Scan Results?
If the radiotracer is uniformly distributed throughout all of the bones, the test findings are deemed normal.
Compared to the neighboring bone, an aberrant scan will reveal "hot areas" and/or "cold spots." Hot spots are places with a high concentration of radioactive material. Cool patches are places that have absorbed fewer radioactive particles.
In addition to clinical information, bone scan data must be evaluated with other imaging investigations. Any abnormal results will be discussed with you by your physician.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the Bone Scan?
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the test may be delayed to avoid exposing the infant to radiation.
- If you must take the test while nursing, pump and discard the breast milk for the following two days.
The dose of radiation delivered into your vein is minute. During 2 to 3 days, the body is free of all radiation. The radiotracer used exposes you to very low levels of radiation. The danger is probably comparable to that of normal x-rays.
The following risks are associated with the bone radiotracer:
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic response)
- Rash
- Swelling
When is the Bone Scan Test Needed?
Doctors may recommend a Bone Scan if you have unexplained bone pain, injuries that don't heal, swelling, or suspicion of bone infections or cancer. It can also be used to track conditions like arthritis or bone disorders.
Who Should Take the Bone Scan Test?
People who have persistent bone pain, fractures, infections, or those with a history of cancer may need this test. It's also useful for monitoring conditions like osteoporosis or when other imaging methods don't provide enough detail.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the Bone Scan Test and How?
No blood or urine sample is collected for a Bone Scan. Instead, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into your vein, which is absorbed by the bones. The scan uses a special camera to capture images.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the Bone Scan Test?
There are no alternate methods for collecting a sample for the Bone Scan test. The radioactive material is injected into your vein for the scan to proceed.
How Long Does the Bone Scan Test Take?
The injection itself takes just a few minutes. However, the waiting time for the radioactive material to spread can take about 2-4 hours. The actual scanning process takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.
When Will I Get My Bone Scan Results?
Typically, you will receive your Bone Scan results within 12 to 24 hours, depending on the processing time of the lab. The reports are usually sent directly to you via WhatsApp or as a printed copy. Once your results are available, your doctor will explain them in detail and guide you on any further actions or treatment options, if necessary.
What Should I Do After Getting My Bone Scan Results?
After receiving your results, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Depending on the findings, your doctor might recommend additional tests, start a treatment plan, or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Is the Bone Scan Painful?
The Bone Scan test is non-invasive and typically not painful. The only discomfort may come from the injection of the radioactive substance into your vein, which feels similar to a standard blood test. The scanning itself is painless.
How Much Does the Bone Scan Test Cost in India?
The average cost of a Bone Scan test in India typically ranges from Rs.5,000 to Rs.7,000. However, the price can vary depending on the hospital, lab, and city. For an accurate cost, it's best to contact Medicover Hospitals or your nearest healthcare provider.
Bone Scan Test Price in Different Cities Across India
| City | Price |
| Hyderabad | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Chandanagar | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Karimnagar | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Nizamabad | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Warangal | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Vizag | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Srikakulam | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Kakinada | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Kurnool | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Nellore | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Vizianagaram | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Navi Mumbai | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Nashik | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Chh. Sambhajinagar | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Pune | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Sangamner | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
| Bangalore | Rs.5000 to Rs. 7000 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
A bone scan is performed by injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm. You will then need to wait a few hours for the tracer to circulate throughout your body and be absorbed by your bones. You will then lie on a table while a special camera takes images of your bones. The entire process typically takes a few hours.
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for a bone scan. It is also recommended that you avoid clothing with metal zippers, snaps, or buttons, as these can interfere with the imaging process.
No, a bone scan is generally not painful. The injection of the tracer might cause some mild discomfort, but this typically subsides quickly.
There is very little amount of radiation exposure associated with a bone scan, but the amount of radiation is considered safe and poses minimal risk to most people. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should discuss the risks and benefits of a bone scan with your doctor.
The results of a bone scan are typically available within a few days. Your doctor will review the images and discuss the findings with you.
No, there are generally no special precautions you need to take after a bone scan. You can resume your normal activities immediately following the test. However, you should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from your body.
The bone scan takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
When cancer is suspected, a bone scan can detect both primary cancers-cancer that originates in your bones-and bone metastases, which are cancer that has spread to your bones from another region of your body.
The cost of a bone scan is between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000. However, the cost may vary depending on the location.
You can get a bone scan at Medicover Hospitals.
