Nuclear medicine scans, including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT), utilise radioactive tracers to provide detailed images of organs and tissues, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions.

What it entails:

SPECT/CT, or Nuclear Medicine scanning is a hybrid imaging technique that combines functional imaging from SPECT with anatomical imaging from CT.

Before a SPECT/CT scan, the patient receives an intravenous injection or swallows a small dose of radiotracer. Various radiotracers are used to diagnose and evaluate different conditions such as bone/joint diseases, cancer, endocrinological, bowel, kidney or biliary diseases.

The patient lies on a table that moves through a donut-shaped machine called a SPECT/CT scanner. This scanner has two components: one to detect location and intensity of SPECT tracer in the body, and one to emit and detect x-ray beams from different angles around the body. Computer processing of this information allows detailed images to be generated.

SPECT/CT is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides valuable insights into a wide range of medical conditions, aiding in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment planning.

 

 

Benefits of SPECT/CT:

  • Comprehensive Imaging: SPECT/CT provides both anatomical and functional information. The CT component offers detailed images of the body's tissues and organs, while the SPECT component demonstrates tissue and organ function, highlighting areas of abnormal activity.
  • Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: SPECT assists in distinguishing normal uptake from sites of disease, improving the accuracy of diagnosis. The CT component provides detailed anatomical information, allowing precise localisation of functional abnormalities detected by SPECT. This is particularly useful in areas with complex anatomy.
  • Versatility: SPECT can image a wide range of processes in the body, depending on the radiotracer used:    
  • Orthopaedics: SPECT/CT is useful in evaluating bone and joint disorders, such as fractures, infections, and prosthetic complications, by providing detailed anatomical and functional information.
  • Oncology: SPECT/CT is used in oncology for tumour detection, staging, and treatment monitoring. It can differentiate between cancerous lesions and normal tissue and evaluate the response to therapy.
  • Endocrinology: SPECT/CT is used to diagnose conditions causing abnormal function of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
  • Urology: SPECT/CT is used to diagnose conditions causing urinary tract obstruction and postinfectious scarring of the kidneys.
  • Gastroenterology: SPECT/CT is used to diagnose diseases of the bile ducts, gallbladder, stomach and bowel.
  • Cardiology: SPECT/CT allows assessment of blood flow in the heart, which is used in diagnosing coronary artery disease and planning interventions.
  • Neurology: SPECT/CT assists in diagnosing neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and dementia, by mapping functional abnormalities in the brain.
  • Personalised Treatment Planning: SPECT/CT is used in theranostics, where it helps in both diagnosing diseases and planning targeted therapies, such as in radionuclide therapy.

 

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Preparing for your scan

Before your SPECT/CT scan you receive instructions on how to prepare. Following these instructions is essential for the quality of your scan. If you have any concerns or questions regarding preparation or the scan procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss them with our friendly team or your healthcare provider.

Clothing and accessories: Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to change into a gown for the scan. If possible, leave valuables at home. You will be asked to remove any objects that may interfere with the scan, including jewellery, eyeglasses, dentures or hairpins, piercings, clothing containing metal zippers or buttons and bras containing metal underwires.

Medical history and medications:

  • Inform your healthcare provider and our team of any allergies.
  • At your appointment, you will be asked questions regarding your medical history, such as heart disease, asthma, kidney disease or thyroid conditions.
  • Please bring a complete list of medications you are taking to your appointment.
  • Please continue to take all your medication unless instructed otherwise.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Please let our team know if you are or think you could be pregnant, or if you are currently breastfeeding.    

During your scan

The nuclear medicine technologist will administer the SPECT tracer intravenously, or you will be asked to swallow it. Some scans require a period of time for absorption of the tracer.

During a cardiac stress test scan, you will be asked to exercise or receive medication to mimic the effects of exercise on your heart.      

The technologist will position you on the SPECT/CT exam table, usually lying flat on your back. The technologist explains the procedure, answering any questions you may have.    

Your scan may include intravenous contrast, which provides additional information, enabling the nuclear medicine specialist to make an accurate diagnosis. During the scan, the table will move in and out several times as the images are acquired. We may give you instructions to follow, such as breathing in and holding your breath.

Radiation exposure: SPECT/CT scans involve exposure to ionising radiation, which carries a small risk of potential harm. However, the benefits of SPECT/CT imaging in diagnosing or monitoring serious medical conditions generally outweigh the potential risks. The amount of radiation exposure during a SPECT/CT scan is typically low and varies depending on the type of exam and body part being scanned. Our team is able to give you more specific information relevant to your scan if required.

After your scan

If you have received intravenous contrast, we will ask you to stay with us for an additional 10 minutes to ensure your safety. We will then remove your intravenous line.

Please let our team know in the unlikely event that you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the examination.

The amount of radioactivity administered during a SPECT/CT scan is small. However, because it may take some hours to leave your body, we suggest you minimise contact with others (especially children and pregnant women) following your scan. Our team will provide specific safety information relevant to your scan type. Drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day, as this will help clear any remaining tracer from your body.               

Our team of nuclear medicine specialists will examine your scan in detail and produce a report. This will be sent out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. You may also request a copy of your results.