HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Can A Bone Scan Which Uses Gamma Rays Be Safe?

default
Posted on Wed, 25 Apr 2012
Question: If a bone scan is done by injecting gamma rays directly into the circulatory system, and gamma rays can cause healthy tissue damage and cancer, how is it that a bone scan is safe? And how does it not cause healthy bone metabolism to change in the rest of the skeleton?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rajinder Bajoria (10 hours later)
Hello,

Thanks for the query.

Contrast that is given during bone scan is safe and in low doses, not in doses which can produce change in bone metabolism & permanent damage. Upper limit of Doses are fixed or decided after plenty of trials not in an irrational manner. No doubt some side effects may be there ,but the benefits of scan over side effects permits their use. All precautions are taken so no serious complication do occur. General malaise & fatigue will disappear with in few days only, so there is nothing to worry. Risk of cancer is almost zero after scan.

‘Hope I have answered your query, I will be available to answer your follow up queries, “Wish you Good Health and trouble free speedy recovery”

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rajinder Bajoria

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 2130 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Can A Bone Scan Which Uses Gamma Rays Be Safe?

Hello,

Thanks for the query.

Contrast that is given during bone scan is safe and in low doses, not in doses which can produce change in bone metabolism & permanent damage. Upper limit of Doses are fixed or decided after plenty of trials not in an irrational manner. No doubt some side effects may be there ,but the benefits of scan over side effects permits their use. All precautions are taken so no serious complication do occur. General malaise & fatigue will disappear with in few days only, so there is nothing to worry. Risk of cancer is almost zero after scan.

‘Hope I have answered your query, I will be available to answer your follow up queries, “Wish you Good Health and trouble free speedy recovery”