What is Isotope Bone scanning?
This is a survey of the whole body that shows up abnormalities in any of the bones of the body. Bone scanning involves the administration of a small amount of radioactivity known as radio-isotope ("Isotope").

The isotope is injected into a vein in your arm and will be taken up by the bones. Pictures are taken using a special camera known as a "Gamma Camera". Alterations in the bones show up as "hot spots" on the scan. Such abnormalities are not necessarily due to cancer; e.g. arthritis commonly causes abnormalities on bone scans.

What does Isotope Bone scanning involve?
You will be given the injection. Since time is needed for the material to be absorbed by your bones, it may be up to three hours later that you are actually scanned. The actual scan involves lying on the couch of the machine. The machine camera will then pass over you. With some modern cameras the couch itself will automatically pass through the scanner. The scanner never touches you. You may have further X-rays of your bones following the isotope scan. This may help with the diagnosis of any changes that may be seen.

Are there any unwanted effects?
The radiation involved is much less than that which is involved in treatment. Following the administration of the isotope, it is recommended that you should minimise contact with children and pregnant women for the remainder of the day.

What happens after the scan?
You are free to go home. You can drive your car if you want to. The staff will advise you at your scanning centre about any special precautions following your scan... It is not usually possible to give you the result of the scan on the same day, but a report will be sent to the doctor who has requested it and you will normally be given the result on your next visit to see him/her.