Coffee is loved by many as a morning cup of Joe, as a pick-me-up, or as a way to relax. While coffee is a popular beverage, if you’re getting a bone scan, you may wonder if you can still indulge in your favorite drink. Is it safe and possible to drink coffee before a bone scan?
Bone scans—or bone scintigraphy—are non-invasive x-ray procedures that are used to detect problems in the bones. It is important to know what to expect and to follow certain instructions for these tests. For example, you may be asked to not drink or eat anything for a few hours prior to the test. So what should you do with that morning cup of coffee?
The short answer is that you should always follow the instructions given to you by your medical practitioner. In general, however, you should generally not drink coffee before a bone scan. Many practitioners advise that their patients refrain from consuming anything with caffeine—which includes coffee, tea, cola, chocolate and energy drinks—for at least 24 hours prior to a bone scan. This applies even if you’re using a decaffeinated coffee.
The reason behind this is that caffeine is known to affect bone metabolism. A bone scan can be used to measure bone metabolism and, ideally, the results should not be affected by caffeine intake. Additionally, coffee can mask the results of the bone scan, so it can be difficult to detect areas of abnormal bone metabolism or fractures. The same applies for other beverages with caffeine.
That said, not all medical professionals are strict about avoiding caffeine before a bone scan. Depending on the type of bone scan or your medical history, some practitioners may suggest avoiding caffeine for only 12 hours prior to the test. Some even may permit a patient to drink coffee before the test, allowing around two to four hours between the last cup and the scan.
It’s worth noting that caffeine isn’t the only thing you may have to avoid before a bone scan. As mentioned earlier, you’ll likely be asked to not eat or drink anything for a few hours before the scan. This is because food or drink can mask the results of the scan. Additionally, some practitioners may advise to skip taking any medications except those absolutely necessary.
Clarity on Supplements
Another question to consider is whether it’s safe to take any supplements before a bone scan. Just like caffeine, some supplements can interfere with the results of the scan. Generally, practitioners advise avoiding any dietary supplements that contain calcium for 24 hours prior to the bone scan. Calcium supplements can affect the results of the test, and thus, it’s best to avoid them for a certain period before the scan.
Some practitioners advise avoiding taking any other type of supplements for 24 hours prior to the test as well. As always, it’s best to follow your practitioner’s instructions and to consult them about other supplements or medications, such as NSAIDs, for example.
Advising Medical Practitioners
When it comes to bone scans, it’s especially important to provide the medical practitioner with detailed information. Discuss any dietary supplements or medications you may be taking and mention any type of caffeinated beverages you may have consumed prior to the test. Many medical practitioners will recommend avoiding them, but depending on your medical history and the type of scan you’re getting, they may make an exception.
It’s also important to discuss any other precautions you should take. Depending on your medical history, your practitioner may advise avoiding certain activities before the scan. For instance, vigorous exercise before the scan may affect the results and thus, must be avoided.
Relaxation Techniques and Preparations
It’s understandable if you feel a bit of anxiety when it comes to tests like a bone scan. To help you relax, some practitioners advise doing relaxation exercises a few days before the test. This can be anything from abdominal breathing to guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, or even meditation.
It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re prepared for the test. To do so, it’s a good practice to organize a list of all the medications you’re taking, check the exact time of the scan, check the clinic you should visit and maybe even prepare a travel route in advance. This will help reduce any unnecessary stress.
Guidelines from Experts
If you’re facing a bone scan, the American College of Radiology recommends the following guidelines: plan to fast for four hours, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages for 24 hours, and discuss any medications and supplements you’re taking with your medical practitioner. While some physicians may have more lenient rules, it’s best to follow their advice and to ensure that the person interpreting the results is aware of any medication you may be taking.
In general, avoiding caffeine and other dietary supplements is important before any bone scan. This will ensure accurate results and help make the bone scan a smoother experience. As always, it’s best to listen to the advice of your medical practitioner, as they will know what’s best for you and your medical situation.
Consequences of Not Avoiding Caffeine
If you do decide to drink coffee before a bone scan, it’s important to understand that there might be consequences. First, the results can be inaccurate or confusing, making it difficult for your medical practitioner to detect any abnormalities or fractures.
Also, depending on the type of scan you’re getting, your practitioner may opt for a different type of scan if the results of the bone scan are not reliable due to caffeine consumption. This could result in additional scans and tests, in turn resulting in extra cost and a longer diagnosis process.
Finally, note that caffeine can cause dehydration. Being dehydrated before your bone scan could lower your blood pressure, resulting in additional dizziness or fatigue. Additionally, dehydration can lead to some symptoms that can be mistaken for a medical condition.
Conclusion
It’s best to avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages before a bone scan. As noted in this article, caffeine can affect the results of the scan and make it difficult to detect any problems. Listening to your medical practitioner’s instructions is best to ensure a safe and accurate experience.
