Radiology Practice Test

How is a bone scan typically conducted in nuclear medicine?

1. Through physical examination

2. By using high-frequency sound waves

3. By injecting a radioactive tracer that accumulates in areas of high bone activity

4. Using conventional X-rays only

The correct answer is: By injecting a radioactive tracer that accumulates in areas of high bone activity

A bone scan in nuclear medicine is conducted by injecting a radioactive tracer into the patient's bloodstream. This tracer is specifically designed to accumulate in areas of bone that exhibit increased metabolic activity, which is often seen in conditions such as infections, tumors, or arthritis. Once the tracer has distributed throughout the body, the patient is positioned under a gamma camera, which detects the emitted radiation and creates images that highlight areas of bone activity. This method allows for a functional assessment of the bone, providing insights that are not typically visible with conventional imaging techniques like X-rays. The other methods mentioned do not align with how a bone scan is performed. A physical examination relies solely on tactile assessment and patient history, high-frequency sound waves pertain to ultrasound imaging rather than nuclear medicine, and conventional X-rays do not utilize radioactive tracers to assess bone activity. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the unique role that the radioactive tracer plays in identifying bone health and pathology.