This test is conducted for patients when the doctor feels they need to get a detailed and visual picture of certain bones in your body. It is a test that creates images of the bones on an electronic disk or film, for their permanent screening. The test is done in two separate visits, you can expect to be there for 20 minutes for the first visit and for an hour for the second visit.

A very small amount of radioactive material is injected into your arm and travels into the bloodstream where it begins to accumulate in the bones, especially in abnormal areas. After 2-6 hours, a scanner (called a Gamma Camera) detects the varying densities of the radioactive material and creates the final image viewed by your doctor. The pictures are usually able to be performed without having to get undressed. There are no serious risks to this test, the amount of radiation used is not dangerous, since it is very small (similar to that of an X-Ray). The pinprick from the injection may be slightly uncomfortable (similar to getting blood-drawn) but other than that there are not usually any ill-feelings associated with the procedure.

Before the appointment

• No preperation is required