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Bone scan


A bone scan is an imaging test that shows areas of increased or decreased bone turnover (metabolism).

Alternative Names:

Scintigraphy - bone

How the Test is Performed:

A bone scan involves injecting a very small amount of radioactive material (radiotracer) into a vein. The substance travels through your blood to the bones and organs. As it wears off, it gives off a little bit of radiation. This radiation is detected by a camera that slowly scans your body. The camera takes pictures of how much radiotracer collects in the bones.





How to Prepare for the Test:


Tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant.


Follow any other instructions you are given.

How the Test will Feel:

There is a small amount of pain when the needle is inserted. During the scan there is no pain. You must remain still during the scan. You will be instructed when to change positions by the technologist.


Why the Test is Performed:

A bone scan is used to:

  • Diagnose a bone tumor or cancer
  • Determine if a cancer that began elsewhere in your body has spread to the bones; common cancers that spread to the bones include breast, lung, prostate, thyroid, and kidney.
  • Diagnose a bone infection (osteomyelitis)
Normal Results:

Test results are considered normal if the radiotracer moves evenly throughout all the bones.

What Abnormal Results Mean:

An abnormal scan will show “hot spots” and/or “cold spots” as compared to surrounding bone. Hot spots are areas where there is an increased accumulation of the radioactive material. Cold spots are areas that have taken up less of the radioactive material.

Bone scan findings must be compared with other imaging studies, in addition to clinical information. Your health care provider will discuss any abnormal findings with you.


If you are pregnant or nursing, the test may be postponed to prevent exposing the developing baby to radiation. If you must have the test while breastfeeding, you should pump and throw away the breast milk for the next 2 days.






Newberg A. Bone scans. In: Pretorius ES, Solomon JA, eds. Radiology Secrets Plus. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Mosby; 2010:chap 54.

Review Date: 11/20/2013


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