Whole Body or Limited Bone Scan

Indications:

This test is done for the evaluation of the bone pain, occult fracture, and bone disease.

The Procedure:

1. You will receive an injection in your hand or arm. The injection is not a dye or contrast. The injection is a low level radioactive material and patients rarely have a reaction. If you are an inpatient you may be injected in your existing IV or INT.
2. If you are an outpatient you may leave after the injection.
3. You will be required to drink 32 oz of fluids after the injection.
4. The scan will be performed 2 to 3 hours after the injection. The technologist will inform you when to return for the scan.

Inpatient and Outpatient Preparation Instructions:

1. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or think you are pregnant, you must inform your doctor.
2. No preparation is necessary if this is the only test you are having.
3. Your abdomen must be free of barium.
4. If pain medication is necessary so that you can tolerate the scan, take the medication 20 minutes prior to the scan. The scan takes about 30 minutes. You have to lie on your back.

Note:

For your convenience we may schedule more than one test on the same day. This can be confusing because the test may have different preparation instructions. If you are an outpatient and don’t understand the instructions please call Radiology. If you are an inpatient, the nursing staff will correlate your test with the preparation.

For Your Information:

The Radiologist (x-ray) doctor will read the scan and send the results to your doctor.

Important:

There is a charge for the isotope injection, which must be ordered before the scan. If it is necessary to cancel the scan, please call the Radiology Department at (419) 394-3335, extension 3528 as soon as possible.