How you prepare

You don't need to restrict your diet or avoid particular activities in preparation for a bone scan. Let your doctor know if you've taken a medicine containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, or if you've had an X-ray test using barium contrast material within the past four days. Barium and bismuth can interfere with bone scan results.

Immediately before the test, you may be asked to remove jewelry or other metal objects.

Bone scans aren't usually performed on pregnant women or nursing mothers because of concerns about radiation exposure to the baby. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant — or think you might be pregnant — or if you're nursing.