Bone Scan
A bone scan uses small amounts of a radioactive substance to help diagnose different bone conditions.
What is a bone scan?
- This is sometimes called skeletal scintigraphy or a nucleotide scan.
A bone scan uses small amounts of a radioactive substance to help diagnose different bone conditions.
- Watch this video from Cancer Research UK to find out what it is like to have a bone scan.
© Cancer Research UK [2002] All rights reserved. Information taken 21/03/23. Cancer Research UK is independent from Prostate Cancer Research.
Important things to know
Why do I need a bone scan?
If you have prostate cancer it is used to see if your prostate cancer has spread to your bones. This is called bone metastases.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about bone scans
What happens before the bone scan?
What do I need to do?
- You should get an appointment letter that tells you what you need to do before the scan. You will usually be told to come to the radiology department about four hours before your scan.
What is a radiotracer?
- You will be given an injection of a radioactive substance. This is called a radiotracer. The radiographer will first put a small tube into the vein on the back of your hand or your arm. This is called a cannula.
- They will inject the radiotracer through the cannula. The radiotracer will move around your body. It collects in any cancerous cells in your bones. After the injection, you will need to wait for about two-to-three hours before your scan.
- You will be asked to drink plenty of water while you are waiting for the scan. This helps to flush the radiotracer around your body.
When will I get my test results?
Your test results may take one-to-two weeks to come back. You may get these results during a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Local services offering bone scans
Our services search tool (link will open in a new tab) will allow you to search for hospitals near you that offer bone scans.
About this information
- This information was updated in June 2024. Date of next review: June 2026.
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