How long is the usual wait time for total body imaging using 18F-Sodium Fluoride?

The usual wait time for total body imaging using 18F-Sodium Fluoride (NaF) is typically 1-2 hours. This timeframe is based on the pharmacokinetics of the radiotracer, which is important for achieving optimal image quality and accurate results. After the injection of 18F-NaF, it takes time for the tracer to circulate through the bloodstream and accumulate in areas of high bone metabolism, particularly in regions with metastatic or osteoblastic activity.

Allowing this time ensures that the radiotracer is evenly distributed and properly taken up by the tissues before the imaging procedure begins. This wait period is crucial to enhance the contrast in the resulting images and to provide accurate diagnostic information about bone lesions or abnormalities.

The other options suggest either too short or too long of a wait time, which would not typically align with the optimal imaging protocol for 18F-Sodium Fluoride PET scans. Waiting less than one hour might not allow for enough accumulation of the tracer, while waiting longer than two hours could compromise the image quality due to the decay of the radiotracer and potential changes in distribution within the body.