A SPECT scan is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures. This test is also known as single-photon emission computerized tomography.
While many imaging tests show what the internal organs look like, a SPECT scan can show how well the organs are working. For instance, a SPECT scan can show how well blood is flowing to the heart; what areas of the brain are more active or less active; or what parts of the bone are affected by cancer.
Some of the most common uses of SPECT are to help diagnose or monitor brain disorders, heart problems and bone disorders.
A SPECT test creates a detailed, 3D map of the blood flow activity in the brain, which can help see which parts of the brain are being affected by:
Some medical institutions may use SPECT scanning to help check other brain conditions, such as dementia or head trauma.
Because the radioactive tracer highlights areas of blood flow, SPECT can check for:
Areas of bone healing usually light up on SPECT scans, so this type of test is being used more often to help diagnose hidden bone fractures. SPECT scans also can diagnose and track cancer that has spread to the bones. It also can help find sites for bone biopsy.
For most people, SPECT scans are safe. If you have an injection or infusion of radioactive tracer, you may experience:
Be sure to tell your healthcare team or radiation technologist if there's a possibility you're pregnant or if you're breastfeeding.
Your healthcare team uses a small amount of radiation to perform a SPECT scan, and the test is not associated with any long-term health risks. Talk to someone on your team if you're concerned about your exposure to radiation during a SPECT scan.
How you prepare for a SPECT scan depends on your situation. Ask your healthcare team whether you need to make any special preparations before your SPECT scan.
In general, you should:
SPECT scans involve two steps: receiving a radioactive injection, called a tracer, and using a SPECT machine to scan a certain area of your body.
You'll receive a radioactive substance through an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein in your arm. The tracer dose is very small, and you may feel a cold sensation as it enters your body. You may be asked to lie quietly in a room for 20 minutes or more before your scan while your body absorbs the radioactive tracer. In some cases, you may need to wait several hours or, rarely, several days between the injection and your SPECT scan.
Your body's more active tissues will absorb more of the radioactive substance. For instance, during a seizure, the area of your brain causing the seizure may hold on to more of the radioactive tracer. This can pinpoint the area of the brain causing your seizures.
The SPECT machine is a large circular device containing a camera. It can detect the radioactive tracer absorbed by your body. During your scan, you lie on a table while the SPECT machine rotates around you. The SPECT machine takes pictures of your internal organs and other structures. The pictures are sent to a computer that uses the information to create 3D images of your body.
How long your scan takes depends on the reason for your procedure.
Most of the radioactive tracer leaves your body through your urine within a few hours after your SPECT scan. You may be told to drink more fluids, such as juice or water, after your SPECT scan. This helps flush the tracer from your body. Your body breaks down the remaining tracer over the next few days.
A radiologist or healthcare specialist with advanced training in nuclear medicine will study the results of your SPECT scan and send them to your healthcare team. Pictures from your scan may show colors that tell your team what areas of your body absorbed more of the radioactive tracer and which areas absorbed less. For instance, a brain SPECT image might show a lighter color where brain cells are less active and darker colors where brains cells are more active. Some SPECT images show shades of gray, rather than colors.
Ask your healthcare team how long to expect to wait for your results.
