Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Aamer Nadeem Chaudhary, M.B.B.S., D.M.R.D., F.C.P.S. (Diagnostic Radiology) — Consultant, Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre · Updated June 2026.
Quick answer: A bone scan is a nuclear-medicine test that uses a tiny, safe amount of radioactive tracer to find problems in your bones — such as hidden fractures, infection, arthritis, or cancer that may have spread to bone. It can detect changes far earlier than an ordinary X-ray. At Al-Nasar Lab in Lahore, bone scans are performed by experienced nuclear-medicine staff.
What is a bone scan?
A bone scan (bone scintigraphy) uses a small injection of a radioactive tracer that collects in areas of active bone change. A special gamma camera then images your whole skeleton, highlighting “hot spots” that need attention.
What is a bone scan used for?
- Detecting cancer that has spread to the bones (metastases)
- Finding hidden or stress fractures
- Diagnosing bone infections (osteomyelitis)
- Investigating unexplained bone pain
- Assessing arthritis and certain bone diseases
How is a bone scan done?
You receive a small tracer injection, then wait 2–4 hours while it spreads through your bones. After that, the gamma camera takes images while you lie still — the scan itself is painless and takes around 30–60 minutes.
Is a bone scan safe?
Yes. The amount of radioactive tracer is very small and leaves your body within a day or two, especially if you drink plenty of water. Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bone scan at Al-Nasar Lab
Al-Nasar Lab offers bone scans and other nuclear-medicine tests (renal scan, thyroid scan, stress thallium) under PNRA accreditation with experienced staff and detailed reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bone scan painful?
No. Only the small tracer injection is felt; the scan itself is painless.
How long does a bone scan take?
There’s a 2–4 hour wait after the injection, then about 30–60 minutes for imaging.
Is the radiation from a bone scan dangerous?
No. The tracer dose is very small and clears from your body within a day or two. Drink plenty of water afterwards.
Need a bone scan in Lahore? Book at Al-Nasar Lab — PNRA-accredited nuclear medicine. Book on WhatsApp or call 0300 0341944.
