Name a common agent used for bone scans.

Technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) is a widely used radiopharmaceutical in bone scanning due to its favorable properties for imaging bone metabolism and structure. This agent consists of a technetium-99m isotope linked to methylene diphosphonate, which has a high affinity for hydroxyapatite in bone. When introduced into the body, the compound preferentially accumulates in areas of high bone turnover, such as sites of inflammation, infection, or metastatic disease, making it particularly useful for diagnosing and evaluating bone disorders.

The choice of technetium-99m is also significant because it emits gamma rays suitable for detection by gamma cameras and has an optimal half-life that allows for sufficient time to perform imaging while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. The use of this agent has become a standard in the field because of its effectiveness and safety profile in revealing essential information about bone pathology.