Nuclear Bone Tests

Instructions for Your Test or Procedure

NOTE: We are pleased to provide standard instructions regarding your test or procedure. Please contact your physician to discuss your individual needs and medical circumstances before you proceed.

Nuclear Medicine Bone Procedure

Bone Scan, Skeletal Imaging

The Day of Your Procedure

Please arrive 30 minutes before scheduled appointment.

You will be given an injection of a radioactive material and asked to return in three hours.

Once we begin, imaging will take approximately one hour.

If a CT scan is scheduled for the same day, an IV line will be placed prior to the injection for the bone scan. You may not eat until after the CT scan is completed.

Three-phase Bone Scan

The Day of Your Procedure

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

You will be positioned on the imaging table and given an injection of a radioactive material. Once we begin, imaging will take approximately 30 minutes.

You will be asked to return three hours following the injection for images of the whole body and/or a specific location. Once we begin, imaging will take approximately one hour.

If a CT scan is scheduled for the same day, an IV line will be placed prior to the injection for the bone scan.

Bone SPECT

The Day of Your Procedure

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

You will be given an injection of a radioactive material and asked to return in three hours following the injection for images of the whole body and a SPECT image of the back. You must be able to keep your hands over your head for the SPECT imaging.

Once we begin, imaging will take approximately one-and-a-half hours.

If a CT scan is scheduled for the same day, an IV line will e placed prior to the injection for the bone scan. You may not eat until after the CT scan is completed.