Bone scan - whole body (nuclear medicine) Diagnostic Imaging

A whole body bone scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows how your bones are working.

Bone scan - whole body (nuclear medicine) procedure illustration

Overview

A whole body bone scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows how your bones are working. A small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. Areas of bone that are healing, inflamed, infected, or affected by certain cancers can take up more tracer and appear as "hot spots" on the images. After the injection, there is a waiting period while the tracer circulates and binds to bone. A special camera then scans your body to create images. The test helps find bone problems that might not show on regular x-rays.

Overview Preparation Clinical Info Recovery FAQ References

Also known as: Whole body bone scintigraphy, Nuclear bone scan, Skeletal scintigraphy, Technetium bone scan

Recovery
Same day
Return to Work
Same day

Preparation & Next Steps

Everything you need to know before and after your procedure

Before Care

  • Plan your schedule: the visit often takes several hours, with imaging usually 2–4 hours after the injection
  • Drink water before arrival unless your imaging center advises otherwise
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal; leave jewelry and valuables at home
  • Bring a photo ID and a current list of your medicines and allergies
  • Tell the staff if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding
  • Tell the staff about any recent nuclear medicine, CT with contrast, or barium studies
  • Ask whether SPECT/CT will be part of the exam and how it affects timing
  • Arrive a little early for paperwork and the IV tracer injection
  • Follow any center-specific instructions about eating or medicines; most medicines are allowed
  • Empty your bladder before the scan to help image quality

After Care

  • Drink fluids over the rest of the day to help your body clear the tracer
  • Urinate often and wash hands well after using the bathroom
  • You can usually eat and return to normal activities right away unless your imaging center says otherwise
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry; mild soreness or a small bruise can occur
  • Limit prolonged close contact with infants and pregnant people for a short time if advised by your imaging center
  • If you are breastfeeding, ask your imaging center about timing or pumping guidance
  • Your ordering clinician typically receives results within a few business days; check your patient portal for the report if available
  • Save any discharge instructions provided by the imaging center for reference
  • Contact the imaging center or your clinician if you notice spreading redness, warmth, or increasing pain at the injection site

Clinical Information

Important medical details about this procedure

Indications

  • Checking for bone spread (metastasis) from known cancers
  • Unexplained bone pain
  • Suspected stress fractures or small fractures not seen on x-ray
  • Suspected bone infection (osteomyelitis)
  • Evaluation of arthritis or other inflammatory bone conditions
  • Evaluating painful or loose joint replacements
  • Monitoring known bone disease over time

Alternatives

  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • PET or PET/CT (such as NaF-18 or FDG in select cases)
  • Targeted ultrasound for certain areas
  • Blood tests and clinical follow-up

Risks

  • Low-dose exposure to ionizing radiation
  • Discomfort or bruising from the injection
  • Very rare allergic reaction to the radiotracer
  • False positives from recent injury, surgery, or arthritis
  • Temporary advice to limit close contact with infants or pregnant people

Contraindications

  • Known or possible pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
  • Breastfeeding without discussing timing and precautions
  • Inability to lie still during imaging
  • Recent nuclear medicine or barium studies that may interfere with images
  • History of severe reaction to a similar radiopharmaceutical

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery

A bone scan is a diagnostic test with no medical recovery time for most people. Normal activities usually resume the same day, with added fluids encouraged to clear the tracer.

Typical Range

Same day

Return to Work

Same day

Recovery Milestones

Day 0

Resume routine daily activities and usual diet

Day 0–1

Increase fluid intake and urinate often to help clear the tracer

Day 1–7

Review results in your portal or discuss with your clinician when available

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and expert answers about this procedure

What happens during a whole body bone scan?

You receive a small injection of a radiotracer. After a wait so the tracer binds to bone, a special camera scans your body to create images.

How long does the test take?

Plan for several hours. There is a 2–4 hour wait after the injection, and the imaging itself usually takes 30–60 minutes.

Will I be radioactive after the scan?

A small amount of radioactivity is present for a short time and decreases quickly. Drinking fluids and urinating helps clear it from your body.

Can I take my regular medicines?

Most medicines are allowed for a bone scan. Follow any instructions from your imaging center about specific medicines or supplements.

What is the difference between a bone scan and an x-ray or MRI?

A bone scan shows bone activity throughout the body and can find areas of increased turnover. X-ray and CT show structure; MRI shows soft tissues and marrow detail.

What is SPECT/CT and might I need it?

SPECT/CT combines 3D nuclear images with a low-dose CT to better localize findings. Many centers add it when more detail is needed.

Are there special precautions around children or pregnancy after the scan?

Some centers advise limiting prolonged close contact with infants and pregnant people for a short time after the exam. Ask your imaging team for their guidance.

When and how will I get results?

A radiologist or nuclear medicine physician interprets the images and sends a report to your ordering clinician, often within a few business days.