Bone Scan

General

Synonym/Acronym:
bone imaging, radionuclide bone scan, bone scintigraphy, whole-body bone scan.

Rationale
To assist in diagnosing bone disease such as cancer or other degenerative bone disorders.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. No other radionuclide scans should be scheduled within 24 to 48 hr before this procedure. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

• No abnormalities, as indicated by homogeneous and symmetric distribution of the radionuclide throughout all skeletal structures.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A