What is a bone scan?
A bone scan is used to examine the bones of the body. It can show conditions which cannot be seen on x-rays. You have been given two appointment times:
At your first appointment time you will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm or hand. This gives off gamma rays so that when we scan you the camera can see how your bones have taken up the injection. The injection will not make you feel any different. In some cases we may also do a quick scan as we give you the injection. This should take no longer than 15 minutes.
The second appointment time is for your scan. This should take no longer than 45 minutes. The delay between injection and scan is so that your bones can absorb the tracer.
During the interval you may leave the hospital if you wish.
If you have any queries or are unable to keep this appointment please notify us by telephone as soon as possible. This will enable us to offer this appointment to another patient on our waiting list. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 01253 956789.
You will be able to eat and drink as normal on the day of your scan. After you have had the injection we would like you to drink extra fluid and empty your bladder often. This will give us better pictures when you come back for the scan. There is no need to get undressed for the scan but we would like you to remove any metal items from your person, such as keys, coins, jewellery or a belt. There is no need to stop any of your medication prior to your scan. The injection will not react with any medications.
After your scan you can eat and drink normally and you will still be able to drive a car. Drinking extra fluids for the rest of the day will help wash the radioactivity out of your body. The rest will disappear naturally. You are free to go home but please avoid spending a long time in close contact with young children or pregnant women for the rest of the day to avoid exposing them to unnecessary radiation.
The results will be sent to the hospital consultant that referred you for the scan. Some doctors will write to you with the results of the scan and some will send you an appointment to come back to the Outpatient Clinic
The injection contains a small amount of radioactive tracer which emits gamma rays (these are similar to X-rays). We use the smallest dose possible to provide as much information as we can about your condition. The radiation dose is very low and is similar to the natural background radiation we all receive from the environment over a period of 14 months. The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information about your condition and will help them plan your treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh the tiny radiation dose you will receive.
Further guidance has been published by Public Health England, visit website – www.gov.uk/government/publications/ ionising-radiation-from-medical-imagingexaminations-safety-advice
Alternatively, use an internet search engine to search for “PHE medical imaging ionising radiation”.
Please tell us if you are or may be pregnant. If you are breast feeding please ring the department a few days before your appointment.
Directions to X-ray Central
X-ray Central is situated in Area 4 off the main hospital corridor and is signposted. Please report to X-ray Central reception on arrival.
Relatives and Carers
If you require support during your appointment you may bring one accompanying adult with you.
They will not usually be allowed into the examination room. If you have any additional needs, please let us know prior to your appointment.
Car Parking
Car parking is available on the multi storey car park at the main entrance of the hospital. Car park charges apply at this hospital. Please bring change with you if you are planning to park on site.
You can pay via debit/credit card at the multi-storey carpark.
Other facilities available
At the main entrance to the hospital there is a café and shops selling light meals and snacks. There is also a large restaurant for staff and visitors to use
