Bone scan factsheet
Introduction
A bone scan checks for signs of healing, damage and blood supply in the bone.
Bone scans are used to check different conditions like:
- unexplained back or bone pain
- arthritis 鈥� swelling and tenderness in the joints
- slipped femoral heads 鈥� when the ball of the hip bone slips in or slightly out of the socket
- fractures and trauma 鈥� breaks or injury to a bone
- tumours 鈥� unusual growth of cells in the bone
- bone cysts 鈥� unusual, painful growths filled with liquid.
It uses:
- a gamma camera - a large camera that measures radiation
- radiotracer 鈥� an injection of radioactive fluid that moves through the body.
The radiotracer collects in areas of the bone where there are breaks or differences and helps them show up on the scan.
Before the test
Your child can eat and drink normally before the scan.
Your child will be weighed to help calculate the correct amount of radiotracer.
The risks of radiation and allergic reactions are very low. Let your child鈥檚 treatment team know if they have any allergies.
Talk to your child's doctor or treatment team if you have any concerns or questions.
Numbing cream
Injections can be uncomfortable for children. Numbing cream can be used on children over 2 years old.
If your child needs numbing cream, you will need to:
- ask for it before the day of the scan
- arrive 30 minutes early to the appointment so it has time to work.
During the test
Your child will not feel anything during the scan, and the camera will not touch them.
The bone scan happens in two parts. You can stay with your child during the scan.
Part 1
- your child will lie on the scanning bed
- a blanket with velcro straps may be used to help keep your child still
- the radiotracer is injected using a small needle
- the scan starts and goes for around 20 minutes.
After the first scan, your child can leave for up to two hours. The nuclear medicine scientist will give you a return time.
During this time, the radiotracer will move into their bones. Your child can eat, drink, and play as normal.
Part 2
When you return, your child will be asked to do a wee and empty their bladder. if your child wears a nappy, you will be asked to change them into a clean one.
- your child lies on the scanning bed
- the camera will come close to your child鈥檚 body and take pictures from different angles
- this will take between 45 and 60 minutes.
CT scan
Some children may need a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan towards the end. CT scans use X-rays to take a detailed picture of the inside of the body.
The CT scan will take around two minutes. Because of the X-rays, parents and carers must leave the room for this scan.
After the test
You can leave once the images have been taken and checked by one of the doctors or nuclear medicine scientists.
The results may take some time to return, and your child's doctor will contact you when they are ready.
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Radiation
Your child will be exposed to a small amount of radiation during the scan. The benefits of finding and treating bone problems are greater than the small risk of this low dose.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to radiotracers are very rare and usually mild. Your child鈥檚 doctor will talk to you about any potential risks before the scan. Let your child鈥檚 treatment team know if they have any allergies.
Supporting your child during the scan
Scans can be uncomfortable for children. You can prepare your child by:
- explain to them why the test is needed in simple words
- bring along their favourite comfort objects, like a blanket, toy, or dummy
- arriving 30 minutes before the appointment for numbing cream, if needed.
