A bone scan is a specialized nuclear medicine procedure that offers a detailed look at the health and function of your bones, unlike standard X-rays which primarily show structure. This imaging technique uses a small, safe amount of a radioactive tracer, called a radiopharmaceutical, to highlight areas of abnormal bone metabolism or repair. A bone scan may be recommended to detect conditions like difficult-to-locate fractures, assess unexplained bone pain, or check for the spread of certain cancers to the skeleton. The procedure visualizes bone activity, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing infections, arthritis, and other bone diseases.
Types of Facilities That Perform Bone Scans
Bone scans are performed at facilities equipped with a dedicated Nuclear Medicine department and specialized gamma cameras that detect the low-level radiation emitted by the tracer. Large hospital systems, including both inpatient and outpatient wings, are common locations for this type of imaging. These facilities often handle complex cases and are staffed with nuclear medicine physicians and technologists.
Dedicated outpatient imaging centers also offer bone scans, focusing solely on advanced medical imaging, including nuclear medicine. These centers sometimes offer more flexible scheduling options compared to a busy hospital environment. Less frequently, specialized clinics, such as large orthopedic or oncology centers, may house their own scanning equipment to streamline patient care. Regardless of the location, the facility must maintain the necessary licenses and equipment to safely administer and image the radioactive tracer.
Navigating the Referral and Scheduling Process
Obtaining a formal order or referral from your doctor is the first step toward getting a bone scan, as it is almost always required for this specialized procedure. Your primary care physician or specialist, such as an oncologist or orthopedist, provides this document based on your medical condition. The referral is then sent to the imaging facility you select, or the facility may be chosen based on your insurance network requirements.
The scheduling process requires securing insurance pre-authorization, which verifies that the procedure is medically necessary and covered by your plan. The imaging center or the referring doctor’s office typically manages this administrative step, but you should confirm its status, as the scan cannot proceed without approval. Because the radioactive tracer has a short half-life, appointments must be coordinated precisely with the tracer’s manufacturing and delivery schedule. This timing necessity means scans cannot always be scheduled immediately. You can contact your insurance provider directly to find in-network Nuclear Medicine facilities and ensure coverage before scheduling.
Preparing for the Procedure and What to Expect
Preparation for a bone scan is generally simple, requiring no fasting, so you can eat and drink normally before the appointment. You should wear comfortable clothing and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, which could interfere with the scanning equipment. The procedure begins with the injection of the radiotracer, such as Technetium-99m, into a vein in your arm, similar to a standard blood draw.
Following the injection, there is a mandatory waiting period, typically lasting two to four hours, allowing the tracer to circulate and be absorbed by the bone tissue. You will be encouraged to drink several glasses of water and urinate frequently during this time, as this helps clear unabsorbed tracer from your system. The actual scanning phase begins after the waiting period, requiring you to lie still on a narrow table while a gamma camera slowly moves above and around your body. The scan itself is painless and typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes; remaining still is necessary to ensure clear images.
Receiving and Understanding Your Scan Results
Once the scan is complete, the images captured by the gamma camera are reviewed and interpreted by a specialist, usually a radiologist or nuclear medicine physician. They analyze the images for areas of increased or decreased tracer uptake, which appear as darker “hot spots” or lighter “cold spots.” Hot spots indicate increased bone metabolism, which can signal injury, infection, arthritis, or the presence of metastatic cancer.
The specialist then generates a formal report detailing their findings, which is sent back to the physician who originally ordered the scan. The timeline for receiving the final results varies, but the report usually takes a few business days to be finalized and delivered to your doctor. It is the responsibility of your referring physician, not the imaging center, to discuss the results and explain the findings in the context of your overall health. Based on the scan results, your doctor will determine the next steps, which may include further testing or starting a treatment plan.