How much radiation is in a nuclear bone scan?
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How much radiation is in a nuclear bone scan?
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| Imaging procedures and their approximate effective radiation doses* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Average effective dose (mSv) | Range reported in the literature (mSv) |
| CT, cardiac for calcium scoring | 3 | 1.0–12 |
| Nuclear imaging, bone scan | 6.3 | |
| CT, spine | 6 | 1.5–10 |
Do bone scans cause cancer?
Bone scans do not generally cause any after effects. Through the natural process of radioactive decay, the small amount of radioactive chemical in your body will lose its radioactivity over time. It also passes out of your body through your urine over about 24 hours.
How long does it take for radioactive dye to leave your system?
The radioactive liquid will be in your body for 24 to 36 hours after your test. You will need to do the following: Drink plenty of liquids as directed. This will help flush the radioactive liquid out of your body.
How long does a whole body bone scan take?
The technologist may ask you to change positions during the scan. This helps to get pictures from different angles. A whole-body bone scan takes about 1 hour to finish.
Is a bone scan bad for you?
A bone scan carries no greater risk than conventional X-rays. The tracers in the radioactive substance used in a bone scan produce very little radiation exposure. The risk of having an allergic reaction to the tracers is low. However, the test may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How long does a full body bone scan take?
What is the difference between a bone scan and a CT scan?
A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that aids in the diagnosis and tracking of several bone diseases. A CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create images of the bones. In a bone scan, the physician injects a radioactive material or tracer into the vein to highlight the problematic areas.