Do You Eat or Not Eat Before a Bone Scan?

While we may think of bones as dry, brittle objects like we see them in a classroom skeleton, they are in fact alive and at work. From the tissue inside the marrow to the ligaments and cartilage attached to them--bones have tissue and function. That's why when diagnosing or monitoring certain conditions, physicians take a closer look using a bone scan. Given that bone scans deal in part with the metabolic activities of bones, does one have to fast or eat anything special to be ready for a bone scan?

Eating and Preparation

• When preparing for a bone scan, you can eat or drink anything. There are no dietary or fluid restrictions required.

  Aside from removing jewelry, watches or any metal objects, there's really no special preparation at all for a bone scan--except perhaps a little patience. The test can take up to a few hours.

Why A Bone Scan?

• A bone scan is a diagnostic tool which essentially acts like a "reverse" X-ray. The patient receives an injection of a radioactive solution, which runs through the bloodstream for two to four hours until it accumulates in significant quantity in bone tissues.

  The patient then lies on a table where the bone scanning device passes over and around the body for approximately an hour. The bone scanner takes images of from the radioactive solution in the patient's bones. Doctors can then see how fluids flow through the bones and also any small or detailed abnormalities in the bones.

  In some cases, doctors ordered elapsed time scans which require patients to have several scans over the course of a day.

  Afterward, the patient is advised to drink extra water for the next two days, which helps the patient eliminate the radioactive solution. There is no other post procedural care required and the patient can resume normal activities.

  Bone scan manufacturer, General Electric claims that the radioactive solution commonly used for this test--99mTc-Medronate (MDP)--has minimal side effects and is used worldwide under doctor supervision.

Risks and Results

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the radioactive solution is safe and will not remain in the body long-term. The procedure is non-invasive other than the injection--and should cause few if any complications.

  Bone scans are best for determining bone metabolism and will show "hot spots" and "cold spots" where bones are functioning at higher and lower activity levels. Scans can also help point out fractures. However, they are not usually conclusive about conditions like bone cancer and may be a diagnostic tool only in combination with other tests.