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Nuclear scan

Overview Risks Results

Bone scan

Alternative Names: Scintigraphy - bone What the risks are: If you are pregnant or nursing, the test may be postponed to prevent exposing the fetus to radiation. Text Continues Below The amount of radioactivity in the injection is very small, and virtually all activity is gone from the body within 2-3 days. Although it is extremely rare with bone scanning agents, a person may develop rash, swelling, or anaphylaxis (severe allergic response). There is a slight risk of infection or bleeding with any intravenous injection. Special considerations: Some abnormalities that may be identified on radionuclide bone scans include: Tumors that have spread from other parts of the body to the bone (metastatic disease) Primary bone tumors Fractures Bone infections (osteomyelitis) Degenerative diseases of the bones, such as arthritis Rickets Fibrous dysplasia Paget's disease Avascular necrosis Radiation changes It is important to understand that bone scan findings must be correlated with other imaging studies, in addition to clinical information. You should always discuss the significance of abnormal findings with your health care provider.

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