Do bone scans have a lot of radiation?
Do bone scans have a lot of radiation?
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 much radiation is in a bone scan?
For typical activities of Tc-99m bisphosphonates administered to adults, the effective radiation dose (an estimate of the dose to the whole body) is approximately 6.0 mSv….What is the radiation dose?
| Test/situation | Total effective dose (mSv) |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray4 | 0.1 |
| Annual Australian background5 | 1.5–2.0 |
| Bone scan2 | 6.0 |
Is the radiation from a bone scan dangerous?
What are the risks of a bone scan? The amount of the radionuclide injected into your vein for the procedure is small enough that there is no need for precautions against radioactive exposure. The injection of the tracer may cause some slight discomfort. Allergic reactions to the tracer are rare, but may occur.
What is the difference between DEXA scan and bone scan?
There are two main types of bone exams. A three-phase bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that shows how the bones process an injected agent. A DEXA bone scan is a type of X-ray that tests bone strength and density to diagnose osteoporosis.
Is there radiation during a bone density scan?
Yes, as with any X-ray procedure, there is a small amount of exposure to radiation. DXA radiation exposure is considered very low—less than the amount emitted during a regular chest X-ray. Don’t wait until you’ve broken or fractured a bone to get a DXA scan!
Are there any risks to having a bone scan?
As with any other types of radiation ( such as X-ray ), there is a small risk that the gamma rays may affect an unborn child. So, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you may be pregnant. Rarely, some people have an allergic reaction to the injected chemical. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to iodine.
When is it time for a bone scan?
When it’s time to undergo a bone scan to determine if a fracture is healing or bone density is changing, clients often share with me their worries about radiation exposure and if there is anything they can do to protect bone from radiation damage .
Where do they inject the radioactive tracer in a bone scan?
They inject it through a small tube (cannula) in a vein in your arm or back of your hand. It’s a small amount of radiation. You might have a test scan immediately after the injection, but normally you wait 2 to 3 hours while the radioactive tracer travels through the blood and collects in your bones.
Yes, as with any X-ray procedure, there is a small amount of exposure to radiation. DXA radiation exposure is considered very low—less than the amount emitted during a regular chest X-ray. Don’t wait until you’ve broken or fractured a bone to get a DXA scan!
As with any other types of radiation ( such as X-ray ), there is a small risk that the gamma rays may affect an unborn child. So, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you may be pregnant. Rarely, some people have an allergic reaction to the injected chemical. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to iodine.
They inject it through a small tube (cannula) in a vein in your arm or back of your hand. It’s a small amount of radiation. You might have a test scan immediately after the injection, but normally you wait 2 to 3 hours while the radioactive tracer travels through the blood and collects in your bones.
When to get a DXA bone density scan?
DXA radiation exposure is considered very low—less than the amount emitted during a regular chest X-ray. Don’t wait until you’ve broken or fractured a bone to get a DXA scan!