Bone Scan

The bone scan involves a small injection into a vein, usually in your arm. The injection is a radioactive tracer, which is absorbed by your bones. It contains a small amount of radiation only. There are no side effects from this tracer. Images may need to be taken immediately after the injection. These pictures are used to assess the blood flow to a part of your body that may be sore.

The images are taken by a special gamma camera and take about 15 minutes. There is then a period before you are required for the second part of your examination. You will be given an appointment time to return to the department on the day. It is usually between two and four hours time.

Our Nuclear Medicine Physician will review the images and issue a report. Once completed, the report will be sent electronically to your referring health professional.

3-4 hours.

• Your original request form

• Medicare and any Government concession pension or health care cards

• Previous relevant imaging

This examination has no associated side effects.

This examination is not suitable for pregnant women. Breastfeeding mothers may undergo the procedure, but will need to cease breastfeeding for 12 hours after the scan. Breast milk should be expressed & discarded during this period. Breastfeeding may resume after the 12 hours.

Within 4-5 working days.