Bone scans, also known as bone scintigraphy, can examine the whole body or a specific area of concern. It is the most commonly ordered nuclear medicine exam, and uses a small amount of radioactive material (called a radiopharmaceutical) injected into a vein that travels through your bloodstream into your bones. A gamma camera detects the radiation emitted from your body, which is put together by a computer that creates images of the bones.
Areas that take up little or no amount of the radiopharmaceutical appear as “cold” spots, and could show a lack of blood supply to the bone. Areas which take up more radiopharmaceutical show up as “hot” spots, indicating increased blood flow or bone turnover, and could point to problems like arthritis, a tumour, a fracture, or an infection.
Depending on the area of concern, a bone scan can image the entire body or pay particular attention to certain parts. It is useful in surveying areas with many small bones and joints like the spine, foot, and ankle because it can provide detailed, localized information about bone metabolism. For example, it could be used to pinpoint abnormal areas of activity around facet joints within the spine which may be the source of chronic back pain. The images produced could provide information to guide potential pain management procedures.
Bone scans are a type of nuclear medicine imaging and they are pretty common – Mayfair Diagnostics performs thousands of bone scans each year. Often, a bone scan is ordered if an X-ray is normal, yet symptoms persist or change, because it is more sensitive. A standard X-ray may be able confirm a fracture or arthritis, but a more detailed look might require a bone scan.
A bone scan is a two-part appointment. Part one is usually booked in the morning and will take approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the radiopharmaceutical is injected into an arm vein and travels throughout the body. You will be asked to lie on your back on the imaging bed while a gamma camera is placed over your body. The first set of images documents increased or decreased flow to the areas of concern. Afterwards, you will be able to go about your normal daily activities until the second part of the appointment (booked 2-4 hours after the first).
During the second part of the appointment, imaging will be performed without any additional injections, to document uptake in the bones. It will take approximately 30-45 minutes. You will be asked to hold as still as possible, while breathing normally – movement can blur the images and make them more difficult to interpret. If required, additional SPECT/CT imaging may also be performed towards the end of this appointment.
SPECT/CT (single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography) imaging combines two imaging types to help localize the area of abnormal activity that may be present on the planar bone scan image. For the “SPECT” part, the nuclear medicine gamma camera rotates 360 degrees around the body and acquires measurements of the radiation being emitted, which the system reconstructs into a 3D image. For the “CT” portion, a low-dose CT image is taken, similar to those from a classic diagnostic CT scan, but using limited radiation. In this case, they are fused electronically with the SPECT images to get the SPECT/CT image.
The radiopharmaceutical is excreted from the body through your urine and will decay within the body over the 48 hours following your exam. Keeping hydrated and voiding frequently will help eliminate it from your body.
A bone scan involves a small dose of ionizing radiation from the radiopharmaceutical injected into your vein, and also from the CT scan during SPECT/CT imaging. CT imaging is a form of X-ray and the exposure to radiation from this scan is slightly higher than that of standard X-rays, but the associated risk is still small. Overall, the radiation exposure from a bone scan with SPECT/CT is about the equivalent of exposure to the earth’s natural background radiation over two years. In most cases, the benefits, such as the early detection of a serious illness, outweigh the small increased risk from radiation exposure.
Mayfair Diagnostics complies with policies and has procedures in place for nuclear medicine radiation safety, including a Radiation Safety Officer who ensures we follow all policies and procedures. If you are pregnant, or if there is a chance you are pregnant, we will not perform the exam. If you are breastfeeding, please inform the technologist. The exam will still be performed, but you will be advised to pump and discard breast milk, or store it for a specific period of time before using.
This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and must be requested by a health care practitioner. To determine whether it is appropriate for you, your doctor will often review your medical and family history, risk factors, how long symptoms have been present, and how they affect daily activities. If this exam is indicated as a best next course of action, your doctor will provide you with a requisition and the appointment can be booked.
These exams are performed at our Castleridge, Mahogany Village, Market Mall, Mayfair Place, and Sunpark locations.
REFERENCES
Canadian Cancer Society (2022) “Bone Scan” www.cancer.ca. Accessed April 1, 2022.
Healthwise Staff (2021) “Bone Scan.” www.myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed April 1, 2022.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
