Nuclear Bone Scan

Skeletal Imaging

Nuclear Bone Scan

Functional imaging to evaluate bone activity, injury, and disease. A physician referral is required to book.

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Nuclear Bone Scan

Clinic Location

Nuclear Bone Scan is offered at our Nepean location.

Nepean

1545 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2G 3J4

Regular Clinic Hours

Monday – Friday6:40 AM – 7:45 PM
Saturday7:30 AM – 3:45 PM
SundayClosed

Booking Office Hours

Monday – Friday7:30 AM – 5:45 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 3:45 PM
SundayClosed

Contact

(613) 727-1072 (613) 727-5873 (Fax) info@mmimaging.com
About the Exam

What Is a Nuclear Bone Scan?

A nuclear bone scan is a diagnostic imaging exam used to evaluate bone metabolism and activity. Unlike standard X-rays that show bone structure, bone scans highlight areas of increased or decreased bone activity, helping detect conditions related to healing, inflammation, infection, tumor growth, or bone damage. Bone scans are commonly used to assess unexplained bone pain, stress fractures, sports injuries, arthritis, and certain cancers affecting the bones.

Stress Fractures & Sports Injuries
Identify subtle fractures and injuries that may not appear on X-ray
Back & Unexplained Bone Pain
Investigate the source of persistent or unexplained bone pain
Inflammation & Infection
Detect inflammation or infection within bone tissue
Arthritis & Degenerative Conditions
Assess arthritis and other degenerative bone conditions
Bone Tumors & Metastatic Disease
Detect bone tumors or the spread of cancer to bone
Monitor Healing & Progression
Track bone healing and disease progression over time
What to Expect

Your Nuclear Bone Scan Visit & How to Prepare

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The Injection
A small amount of radiopharmaceutical is injected into a vein, similar to having blood drawn. Some exams also capture blood flow images right away.
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The Waiting Period
You will return 2 to 5 hours later, allowing the radiopharmaceutical time to localize in the bones. You are free to leave and resume normal activities during this time.
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The Imaging
Imaging typically takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the area being examined.
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Done, No Recovery Needed
No recovery time is needed. Results are reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your referring physician.
Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Nuclear Bone Scan

Preparation instructions vary depending on the exam. Please follow the instructions provided when your appointment is booked. Bring your health card, requisition, and any relevant documents. If you are unsure how to prepare, contact Merivale Medical Imaging before your appointment.

View Test Preparations
For Referring Physicians

Download the MMI Requisition Form

Merivale Medical Imaging accepts requisitions from all licensed physicians. Our editable PDF requisition can be downloaded, completed, and sent with your patient before their appointment. Requisitions are accepted at any licensed healthcare facility, including hospitals and independent health facilities (IHFs).

Editable PDF Requisition

Complete and send with your patient prior to their imaging appointment.

Download Requisition
All requisitions accepted — no prior authorization required
Before Your Exam

Safety & Radiopharmaceutical Considerations

A few things to tell us before your bone scan, so we can plan your visit appropriately.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Let us know if you are or may be pregnant or breastfeeding so our team can confirm the appropriate exam and timing.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water before and after your scan to help your body process the radiopharmaceutical.

Recent Nuclear Medicine Exams

Tell us if you have had a recent nuclear medicine study, as timing between exams may need to be considered.

Note: The amount of radioactive material used is minimal, and side effects are rare. Bone scans are considered safe and have been used clinically for many decades.