Side Effects of a Bone Scan

Bone scans serve several medical diagnostic purposes, according to Drugs.com. They can diagnose bone tumors or cancer, detect if a patient’s cancer has spread, diagnose bone fractures and bone infections, determine the source of bone pain, and assess metabolic disorders. Before a bone scan, the patient is injected with a radioactive material that travels throughout his bloodstream into the bones and organs. A specially designed camera detects the radiation emitted by the material while scanning the body. Bone scans have minimal side effects and risks, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1.

Pain and Discomfort

Side effects associated with the bone scan procedure include pain and discomfort. The patient may feel pain as the IV containing the radioactive material is inserted into her vein. This pain is temporary. The patient may also experience discomfort from the requirements of the bone scan procedure, such as having to remain still and lying in certain positions for extended periods of time. Bone scans can last 30 to 60 minutes, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1.

Allergic Reaction

Another side effect linked to bone scans is an allergic reaction. Some people have an allergic reaction to the radioactive material used in the injection during a bone scan. Symptoms include bleeding, skin redness, soreness or infection, according to Drugs.com.

Radiation Exposure

The radioactive material used in a bone scan exposes the patient to radiation and represents another side effect of the procedure. MayoClinic.com reports, however, that the radiation exposure from bone scans is negligible and matches the risk of exposure presented by traditional X-rays 2. Nevertheless, radiation may remain in the body up to three days after the bone scan, according to Drugs.com.

Nursing Mothers

A side effect for a nursing mother receiving a bone scan is the possibility that the radioactive material used in the injection may contaminate her breast milk, according to Drugs.com. Nursing mothers should pump and discard their milk for two days following the bone scan to reduce the risk of passing the radioactive material to their nursing infant, according to Drugs.com.

Additional Side Effects

Other potential side effects linked to bone scans include nausea, vomiting, rash and swelling.