Few risks are associated with bone scans because the amount of radioactive material injected into the body is small. Some possible risks include:

• Women who are pregnant may pass radiation to the unborn child.
  
  
• Women who are breastfeeding may pass radiation to the child.
  
  
• Although these side effects are rare, some patients may develop a rash, swelling or severe allergic response (anaphylaxis).
  
  
• Though the risk is small, some patients may experience infection or bleeding due to the injection of radioactive substance.

A bone scan is not painful. Patients may feel minor discomfort when the contrast medium is injected or while holding a position during the test.