Is a Bone Scan Dangerous?

A bone scan is a testing procedure that uses radioactive material injected into the bloodstream to help measure changes in bone health. The risks from the procedure are generally considered to be minimal.

The Facts

• At the beginning of a bone scan, a doctor injects a small amount of a radioactive substance called a radiotracer into a vein, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. This radiotracer accumulates in the bones and emits radiation that can be detected by a special camera and used to create a detailed skeletal picture.

Radiation Levels

• Bone scan radiotracers produce only small amounts of radiation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exposure roughly equals the amount experienced during a standard X-ray procedure.

Rare Risks

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports rare potential risks of a bone scan that include swelling, rash development and the severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Additional Risks

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine also reports a minor risk of bleeding or infection resulting from the insertion of the radiotracer needle into a vein.

Considerations

• Pregnant women may want to postpone a bone scan to avoid fetal radiation exposure, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Breastfeeding women should throw out their milk for at least two days after a scan.