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What can I Expect During a SPECT Bone Scan?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
In a single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) bone scan, a patient's bones will be imaged with a gamma camera after a radioactive tracer has been injected. The scan itself takes around 30 minutes to an hour and requires the patient to lie very still on a table. The entire process includes a three to four hour wait for the tracer to circulate and patients should plan on setting aside a half day for a SPECT bone scan.
This test is highly sensitive and provides a detailed image of the bones. A doctor may request a SPECT bone scan if there are concerns about hairline fractures, especially in the spine. These fractures will not show up on conventional imaging studies. In some cases, doctors ask for a three phase test, where three sets of images are taken over the course of several hours, while in other instances, a single set of images is enough.
The first step in a SPECT bone scan is the placement of the tracer material. This material will be absorbed by the bones as it circulates through the body and the dose of radiation involved is very low. After the scan, it will be eliminated in sweat and urine. The risk of allergic reactions to the tracer is low, but patients should make sure doctors are aware of allergies, and pregnant patients should consult their obstetricians to determine if the scan is safe.
It takes approximately three hours for the tracer to fully circulate. Some clinics allow patients to leave and come back, while others accommodate patients who would prefer to wait in the clinic. Once the tracer is absorbed, the patient is asked to lie on a table and will be scanned. The SPECT bone scan takes around an hour if a full body image is being taken, and requires less time if only one area of the body is being imaged. Patients who feel uncomfortable lying down may be able to receive sedatives and can listen to music or books on tape during the test to relax. It is advisable to urinate before the scan for comfort.
After the SPECT bone scan, patients will be advised to drink lots of water to help clear the tracer from the body more quickly. The doctor can discuss the results after they have been reviewed and determine if additional testing is needed or if a treatment plan can be developed for the patient.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
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![A SPECT bone scan takes about 30 minute to complete.]()
By: Paco AyalaA SPECT bone scan takes about 30 minute to complete. -
![Doctors will interpret the bone scan results and discuss them with patients.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungDoctors will interpret the bone scan results and discuss them with patients. -
![Pregnant women should consult their obstetrician to check if a SPECT bone scan is safe for them.]()
By: Valua VitalyPregnant women should consult their obstetrician to check if a SPECT bone scan is safe for them. -
![Patients will be advised to drink lots of water following a SPECT bone scan.]()
By: AlliancePatients will be advised to drink lots of water following a SPECT bone scan. -
![Osteoporosis can increase the likelihood of hairline fractures in seniors.]()
By: Fotoluminate LLCOsteoporosis can increase the likelihood of hairline fractures in seniors. -
![A doctor may request a SPECT bone scan if there are concerns about hairline fractures in the spine.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroA doctor may request a SPECT bone scan if there are concerns about hairline fractures in the spine. -
![A gamma camera may be used to take images of a patient's bones after a radioactive tracer has been injected.]()
By: tawesitA gamma camera may be used to take images of a patient's bones after a radioactive tracer has been injected.
Discussion Comments
If you get your bone scan results back and they show abnormalities, don't panic! There are many reasons why the tracer material shows things that look different, and these include infections, undiagnosed fractures, arthritis and even growth periods (in young people).
@angelBraids - If you use the bathroom just before the nuclear bone scan you'll be fine. It really goes quickly once they start, and I am sure the music or book will distract you. Some places even have DVD machines you can use!
I don't know if you've ever had this kind of procedure before, but the SPECT machine is much like that used for a catscan. Whereas an MRI generally requires you to be fully enclosed, this is more like a giant do-nut taking your picture. It's much less claustrophobic and quite comfortable.
I appreciate this article as I'm due a bone scan with a SPECT machine next week. The letter from the hospital said to check in at the Nuclear Medicine section, which freaked me out! Reading this has helped put my mind at rest a little.
They also said that I'll have to drink as much as possible between the tracer material being injected and the bone scan procedure. I already suffer from a nervous bladder, so I'm now worried about needing the bathroom at the wrong time!
Is an audio book or CD of music really enough to take my mind of what is happening?
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