About diagnostic imaging scans

Diagnostic imaging scans can locate early stages of conditions such as bruising, infection, atrophy, primary bone diseases, and bone tumors.

During these imaging scans, the clinician injects the patient with radioactive material. The material diffuses in the bloodstream and absorbs into the bones. A special gamma ray camera detects the emissions from the radioactive material and provides pictures that show how the material concentrates in the bones – to identify areas of disease. The physician integrates the scan results with other imaging scans, such as X-rays, MRIs, CTs and ultrasounds, in order to get a complete picture of the patient, diagnose the condition, and propose a treatment plan.

How images are taken

After the patient is readied for the procedure, the physician injects the radioactive material into the patient. The patient then waits 2-4 hours until the material is absorbed into the bones, during which time, the patient needs to drink about 1.5 quarts (1.5 liters) of any beverage.

At the end of the wait time, the clinician performs the scan, which takes 15 to 60 minutes. The Imaging Institute doctor determines the number and types of images needed based on the potential medical diagnosis and the location scanned. After the scan, the Imaging Institute's physician conducts an initial assessment to determine whether additional images are needed.

A diagnosis is provided to the treating physician who discusses the results and next steps with the patient.