Radiology• Updated 21 October 2026
Bone Scan
A nuclear medicine scan that shows areas of increased bone activity, such as cancer spread, infection or hidden fractures.
Results: A few days
Quick Summary
Primary Purpose
To look for cancer spread to bone, bone infection or stress fractures.
What It Measures
Areas of increased bone turnover.
Preparation
No fasting. Drink plenty of water after the injection.
Overview
A small amount of tracer is injected and pictures are taken a few hours later.
It's sensitive but not specific.
What It Measures
Bone activity
Hot spots.
How It's Performed
- 01
Injection
Tracer into a vein.
- 02
Wait
2–4 hours; drink water.
- 03
Scan
Lie still for about 30 minutes.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Bone scan(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine