Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan

What is a nuclear medicine bone scan?

A nuclear medicine bone scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. It is used primarily to look for cancer in your bones that may have spread from your liver (metastatic disease). Because cancer cells grow quickly, they will appear as a dark, or ‘hot’ spot on a bone scan.

A radioactive material (radioactive tracer) is injected into a vein in your hand or arm. It travels through the bloodstream and attaches to the bones. A special camera, called a gamma camera, then takes pictures that show if there is any cancer in the bones.

Why do I need a nuclear medicine bone scan?

A nuclear medicine bone scan is commonly used as a follow-up test to help clarify the cause of pain or unexplained symptoms. It may be requested because you have new or worsening pain at a bony site, for example your spine or ribs, or if your routine MRI or CT scan has shown a possible site of metastatic disease in one of your bones.

What happens during a nuclear medicine bone scan?

There is no special preparation for a bone scan. You can eat and do your normal activates. You should stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water before the scan, this will help absorb the tracer more effectively and eliminate it more quickly.

There are two parts to a bone scan. First, you will have an injection of radioactive tracer into a vein in your hand or arm . 

After 2 to 4 hours for adults, you return to have the images. The delay ensures the radioactive tracer has time to be absorbed into the bones. These images will show if there is any metastasis to your bones. Sometimes you will have images taken just after the tracer is injected as well as 2 to 4 hours later. 

You will be asked to lie on a table while a camera passes back and forth over your body. You will need to lie still while the images are being taken to ensure they are clear and not blurred. If you think you may have difficulty staying still for an extended period, please inform your doctor or the nuclear medicine staff at the centre where your scan is being done. If you are severely claustrophobic, please advise the department when you make your appointment. 

You should drink plenty of water for the rest of the day after the scan to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body. Your urine will contain the radioactive material, so it is recommended that you wash your hands well after going to the toilet. The radioactive material from the tracer is usually removed from your body within 2 days of having the scan. 

What are the risks of a nuclear medicine bone scan? 

A nuclear medicine bone scan usually has no side effects. The radioactive tracer doesn’t interfere with food or medication, and you shouldn’t feel any effects from the injection. You can go about your normal activities before and after the scan.  

• Bruising or swelling: You may have a small bruise where the needle is inserted. In rare cases, the tracer may leak outside the vein, causing temporary swelling or discomfort. 

• Radiation exposure: The radiation dose from a bone scan is low, but it may slightly increase your long-term cancer risk. Speak with your doctor if you have concerns. 

Rarely, allergic reactions have been associated with bone scan agents. 

How much does a nuclear medicine bone scan cost? 

The cost of a nuclear medicine bone scan in Australia varies, but many scans are eligible for Medicare rebates. If you have your bone scan done in a public tertiary hospital you will not pay for it. 

Many private nuclear medicine providers offer bulk billing, meaning they directly bill Medicare for the service, and there may be no out-of-pocket expense for the patient if they meet Medicare’s eligibility criteria. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you. 

Reviewed Jan 2026