How do I read my bone scan results?

Understanding Bone Density Test Results

1. A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9.
2. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone density or osteopenia.
3. A T-score of -2.5 or below is a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
4. The lower a person’s T-score, the lower the bone density.

What do bright spots on a bone scan mean?

Areas of fast bone growth or repair absorb more tracer and show up as bright or “hot” spots in the pictures. Hot spots may point to problems such as arthritis, a tumor, a fracture, or an infection.

What is an abnormal radionuclide bone scan?

Abnormalities at radionuclide bone imaging reflect increased bone mineral turnover in general, not infection specifically. Therefore, conditions associated with increased bone mineral turnover (eg, tumors, fractures, joint neuropathy) may mimic osteomyelitis at three-phase bone scintigraphy.

What does cancer look like on a bone scan?

Tumors might look “ragged” instead of solid on an x-ray, or they might look like a hole in the bone. Sometimes doctors can see a tumor that might extend into nearby tissues (such as muscle or fat).

Will a bone scan show arthritis?

The test is very sensitive to any difference in bone metabolism. The ability to scan the entire skeleton makes a bone scan very helpful in diagnosing a wide range of bone disorders, including: Fractures. Arthritis.

Can you have a CT scan and a bone scan the same day?

Bone Scan, Skeletal Imaging If a CT scan is scheduled for the same day, an IV line will be placed prior to the injection for the bone scan. You may not eat until after the CT scan is completed.

What are they looking for in a bone scan?

Why might I need a bone scan? Bone scans are used primarily to detect the spread of metastatic cancer. Because cancer cells multiply rapidly, they will appear as a hot spot on a bone scan. This is due to the increased bone metabolism and bone repair in the area of the cancer cells.

How does a bone scan imaging test work?

In order to interpret the bone scan results, it is helpful to understand how the imaging test works. The doctor will inject a radioactive material into the patient’s veins. As this material breaks down, it emits radiation, which can be detected by special camera equipment.

What should the bone density score be on a bone scan?

1 A score of –1.0 to +1.0 means you have normal bone density. 2 A score between –1.0 to –2.5 means you have low bone density (osteopenia). 3 A score of –2.5 or below means you have osteoporosis.

When do I get my bone scan results?

Doctors will interpret the bone scan results and discuss them with you, but you may also wish to see the results for yourself. The results of a bone scan imaging test are typically available about two days following the procedure. After evaluating the results, the patient may need to undergo other diagnostic tests to verify the findings.

What does it mean when a bone scan is abnormal?

Abnormal results occur when “hot spots” can be seen. Hot spots are areas of the bone that have collected an excessive amount of the radioactive tracer. These spots may indicate a problem, such as a bone infection, cancer, or simply a bone fracture that has not yet fully healed.