TC 99 Bone Scan ( 3 Phase ) Hyderabad | Focus Diagnostics

What is TC 99 Bone Scan (3 Phase)?

TC 99 Bone Scan (3 Phase), also known as Three Phase Bone Scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine imaging examination used to evaluate blood flow, soft tissue activity and bone metabolism in a selected skeletal region. The procedure uses a small amount of Technetium-99m-labelled bone-seeking radiotracer administered intravenously. A gamma camera captures images at different stages to assess changes in circulation and bone activity. The examination provides functional information that may complement X-rays, CT scans and MRI findings.

Why may a Three Phase Bone Scan be recommended?

A doctor may recommend a Three Phase Bone Scan to investigate suspected osteomyelitis, unexplained localised bone pain, stress fractures, inflammatory bone conditions or selected complications involving bones and joints. It may also be considered when evaluating suspected infection around orthopaedic implants or assessing certain skeletal abnormalities. The examination is prescribed according to clinical symptoms, examination findings and previous imaging results.

What can the scan help evaluate?

The examination evaluates three stages of radiotracer distribution. The first phase assesses blood flow to the selected region immediately after injection. The second phase evaluates early blood pool activity in the surrounding tissues. The third phase assesses delayed radiotracer uptake in bone, reflecting bone turnover and metabolic activity. These findings may help investigate suspected bone infection, inflammation, fractures and other skeletal abnormalities. However, increased tracer uptake is not specific to a single disease, and additional investigations may be necessary.

How is the examination performed?

A Technetium-99m-labelled radiotracer is administered through an intravenous injection. During the first phase, dynamic gamma camera images are acquired immediately to assess regional blood flow. The second phase involves early blood pool imaging shortly after injection. The third phase consists of delayed bone images, generally acquired approximately two to four hours after tracer administration. Additional targeted images or SPECT/CT imaging may be performed if clinically indicated and available under the prescribed protocol.

Preparation before the scan

Patients should follow the instructions provided by the nuclear medicine department. Fasting is generally not required for routine Three Phase Bone Scintigraphy unless specifically advised. Drinking adequate water and emptying the bladder regularly after radiotracer administration may be recommended. Inform the medical team about pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent nuclear medicine examinations, previous orthopaedic surgery, implants and relevant medical conditions. Bring previous X-rays, CT scans, MRI reports or other relevant medical records if available.

Understanding the report

The report describes radiotracer distribution during the blood flow, blood pool and delayed bone phases. Increased activity in particular phases may indicate changes in regional circulation, soft tissue inflammation or bone turnover. Certain uptake patterns may support the evaluation of suspected osteomyelitis, fractures or other skeletal abnormalities, but no single pattern confirms every diagnosis. A qualified nuclear medicine physician interprets the findings, and the treating doctor should correlate them with clinical history, laboratory investigations and other imaging studies.

TC 99 Bone Scan (3 Phase) at Focus Diagnostics, Hyderabad

Focus Diagnostics provides nuclear medicine imaging services in Hyderabad, Telangana. A TC 99 Three Phase Bone Scan uses Technetium-99m radiotracer and gamma camera imaging to assess blood flow, soft tissue activity and bone metabolism in the prescribed anatomical region. Patients who have been advised to undergo this examination can contact Focus Diagnostics to confirm scan availability, imaging protocol, preparation instructions and appointment requirements.