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F18 Bone Scan Procedure in Dhakuria

F18 Bone Scan

F18 Bone Scan in Dhakuria

An F18 bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and monitor several bone diseases. Individuals with unexplained skeletal pain, bone infection, or bone injury that are not visible in conventional X-rays are recommended to undergo this scan. Additionally, it is an important tool to diagnose cancer that has metastasised to bone from its original location. The sensitivity of the scan towards bone metabolism and its ability to scan the entire skeleton makes it a helpful tool for diagnosing a wide variety of bone conditions.

During the scan, the F-18 NaF isotope is injected into the vein and is allowed to work its way through the body in the next hour. After an hour, the scan begins and takes up to 30 to 40 minutes. Bone cells gravitate towards areas that need repair; as the isotope spreads, the isotopes follow these cells and accumulate in bones that are damaged. The damaged bones appear as dark spots in imaging. Although radiation is used during the scan, it causes little to no adverse effect on the patient.

An F18 bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and monitor several bone diseases. Individuals with unexplained skeletal pain, bone infection, or bone injury that are not visible in conventional X-rays are recommended to undergo this scan.

FAQ's

A bone scan may assist in identifying the reason for your unknown bone discomfort. The method is very responsive to variations in the metabolism of bone. A bone scan may be used to diagnose a variety of bone illnesses since it can scan the complete skeleton.

These disorders include:

  • Cancer that starts in the bone

  • Cancer that originated elsewhere and spread to the bone

  • Arthritis

  • Paget's disease of the bone

  • Infection of the bones, replacement joints, or joints themselves (osteomyelitis)

  • Avascular necrosis (reduced blood flow to the bones, which is the death of bone tissue)

It's not necessary to follow a strict food plan or avoid any activities before a bone scan.
On the day of your scan, make sure you hydrate well. You must bring the findings of any further scans you have performed within the last year.

An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into your arm by a technician, who will also assist you in getting ready for the scan. An IV line is a small tube that is used to provide fluids and medication to you. The technician will inject the tracer into the IV. For around 80 minutes, you will rest as the tracer passes through your body. You will then proceed to the PET scan area. 

During the scan, you will be asked to lie on a table on your back. A typical scan takes one hour or so. Your full body, from head to toe, will be scanned. The same region will also be covered by a non-contrast CT scan or PET scan. You might potentially have a contrast-enhanced CT scan if that is what your provider has asked for.
 

Usually, the complete process takes one to two hours. This covers the time it takes to obtain the photos as well as the waiting period following the radioactive injection to allow the material to spread throughout the body.
 

  • The IV placement may cause some discomfort. 

  • You have to remain still and relaxed throughout the scan. Certain patients may have difficulty staying still.

  • The tracer shouldn't cause you to experience any discomfort. In a day, the radioactivity will disappear.

Following the scan, make sure you have a lot of fluids. This will facilitate your body's faster removal of the tracer.
 

The prevalent opinion is that F18 bone scans are safe. For most patients, the advantages of the procedure exceed its risks, and there is often little radiation exposure throughout the process. F18 bone scans, however, should not be performed on pregnant women unless required.

The bone's cells migrate towards damaged portions of the body naturally as the isotope travels throughout it. The radioactive tracers of the isotope follow these cells and gather in areas where bone is broken. It is absorbed in areas where blood flow is strong. In the picture, the damaged regions where the isotope has been deposited show up as black patches.
 

While F18 bone scans are generally safe, they may not be suitable for everyone. Your healthcare provider will consider factors such as your medical history, current health status, and any allergies you may have before recommending the procedure.
 

F18 bone scans are very sensitive in identifying problems with the bone, such as infections, fractures, and cancer metastases. However, in certain situations, other imaging tests or procedures could be required to establish the diagnosis.
 

A radiologist or a nuclear medicine physician will read your PET scan. This physician will also review the findings of any additional scans you may have brought with you. You will receive your scan findings from the clinician who referred you for the PET scan. The nuclear medicine physician or radiologist should provide the results to your provider in three days.
 

Other imaging techniques, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can be used to assess anomalies in the bone. Your healthcare professional will choose the best test, depending on your unique medical circumstances.
 

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