What Can a Bone Scan Using Iodine Detect?
A bone scan is a diagnostic procedure used to examine and identify areas of corporeal and chemical differences in bone. It can also be used to reveal abnormalities that could indicate disease. Radioactive iodine dye is often used to create contrast for easier viewing of organs and structures.
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Types
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There are three types of bone scans used in the medical field today, each performed in similar fashion: total body, regional and three-phase.
Reasons
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The primary purpose of a bone scan is to detect areas in which cancer, damage or infection is present. Most bone scans are used to detect the spread of metastatic cancer, and radioactive iodine helps read the results.
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Administration
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Radioactive iodine is injected into a vein, then travels through tissues by way of the thyroid gland to all areas of the body. After four to six hours, which gives time for the radioactive iodine compound to collect in the bones and joints, imaging is conducted. During the imaging process, the patient lies flat while a camera takes pictures.
Preparation
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Very little preparation is needed for conducting a bone scan. If radioactive iodine is used, the patient is instructed to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and may be instructed to empty his bladder before the scan. In addition, the patient may need to stop taking certain medications prior to the exam.
Results
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After the bone test, a doctor will review the images, prepare a report and discuss the findings with the patient's physician. That physician will then discuss the results with the patient and offer treatment options.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Erik Charlton
