Bone Scan is an investigation that uses ISTOPE SCANNING to create an image of the bones. This often reveals abnormalities much earlier than is possible with conventional X-ray. A radionuclide that is taken up by bone is injected into an arm vein before the test. The rate of blood flow through bone is measured first. Then, after absorption of radionuclide into the bone, the bone density is measured. Local or generalised alterations in density suggest bone disease. Specific diagnosis of the cause of altered density is usually made by BONE BIOPSY.
The amount of radiation used in a bone scan is minute, and the radionuclide is eliminated from the body within a few days. However, the test is not advised for pregnant or nursing women.
A bone marrow biopsy may be done in a health care provider’s office or in a hospital. Informed consent for the procedure is typically required. The bone marrow samples are usually taken from the hip bone, or posterior iliac crest. Test is done to diagnose tumors, prognosis of the disease, such as lymphoma, and evaluation of the effectiveness of chemotherapy. A bone marrow biopsy is commonly done using the pelvis (iliac crest), but another bone (such as the breastbone) may be used. In a child, a leg bone or vertebra (bone in the spine) may be used. The biopsy site may be tender or sore for several days after the bone marrow biopsy. Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your physician. Aspirin or certain other pain medications may increase the chance of bleeding. After the biopsy, one should watch the site for bleeding, redness, or swelling. Bone marrow biopsy is done using a large needle inserted through the outside surface of a bone and into the middle of the bone, where the marrow is.
