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A nuclear medicine bone scan uses a small tracer injection to show areas of increased bone activity. Learn how it works, the waiting time between injection and scan, and Medicare.
Also called: bone scan, whole body bone scan, skeletal scintigraphy, nuclear bone scan
Find a clinic for your nuclear medicine bone scan
16 clinics offer bulk billing for nuclear medicine — eligibility varies
Where to get a nuclear medicine bone scan
16 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer nuclear medicine.
Clinics for a nuclear medicine bone scan on Radly
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What is a nuclear medicine bone scan?
A bone scan shows how active your bones are. A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, travels through your bloodstream and is taken up by bone. Areas of increased activity — such as healing fractures, inflammation or arthritis — show up on a special camera.
It's not the same as a bone density (DEXA) scan. A bone scan is very sensitive for picking up stress fractures and other changes that X-rays can miss, though it often needs other imaging to explain exactly what an area of activity is.
Why your doctor might request a nuclear medicine bone scan
- Suspected stress fracture
- Unexplained bone pain
- Checking for infection or inflammation in bone
- Assessing a joint replacement that has become painful
- Monitoring known bone conditions, as directed by your specialist
Nuclear medicine bone scan: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your nuclear medicine bone scan
- No fasting is needed; eat and drink normally
- Drink plenty of water between the injection and the scan
- Expect a wait of about 2–4 hours between the injection and the main scan — you can usually leave the clinic
- Tell staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
How long it takes: About 3–4 hours in total, including the waiting period; the scan itself takes 30–60 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A bone scan needs a referral, which a GP can provide. With a valid referral it attracts a Medicare rebate, and some clinics bulk bill nuclear medicine — it varies by clinic. The tracer dose is small and leaves your body mostly through your urine over the next day. The clinic will confirm billing for your referral. Booking through Radly sends a request, and the clinic confirms the time with you.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your nuclear medicine bone scan and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Nuclear medicine bone scan FAQs
Why is there a wait between the injection and the scan?
The tracer needs a few hours to be taken up by your bones. You can usually leave and come back.
Is a bone scan the same as a bone density scan?
No. A bone scan shows bone activity using a tracer; a bone density (DEXA) scan measures bone strength for osteoporosis.
Am I radioactive after a bone scan?
Only slightly, for a short time. Drinking water and emptying your bladder often helps clear the tracer. The clinic may suggest limiting close contact with babies or pregnant people for the rest of the day.
How do I book a nuclear medicine bone scan online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Nuclear Medicine as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a nuclear medicine bone scan?
Appointments for nuclear medicine are usually within 1–2 weeks, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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