Nuclear Medicine SPECT/CT
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Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center
Diagnostic Imaging & Clinical Research located in Houston, TX
To diagnose fractures, arthritis, or organ disease, Ebrahim Delpassand, MD, and the team at Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center perform nuclear medicine SPECT/CT scans. This minimally invasive diagnostic scan combines two technologies to get the most accurate picture of your bones, organs, and other structures to accurately confirm a diagnosis. To schedule a nuclear medicine SPECT/CT scan, call the Houston, Texas, office or book online today.
Nuclear Medicine SPECT/CT Q&A
What is nuclear medicine SPECT/CT?
A SPECT/CT scan is a type of nuclear medicine scan that combines images of two different types of scans to provide precise details about a particular area of your body. The scans include:
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
SPECT involves an injection of a nuclear medicine radiopharmaceutical that sticks to specific areas of your body that gamma cameras can detect. The camera rotates 360 degrees around your body to create 3D images of the scan area.
Computed tomography (CT) scan
A CT scan creates X-ray images of your body. You lie on a bed that moves into a ring-shaped machine. The machine rotates 360 degrees and uses X-ray technology to create 3D images of your body at a much faster rate than a SPECT scan.
Why would I need nuclear medicine SPECT/CT?
You might need a nuclear medicine SPECT/CT scan to identify or evaluate underlying health issues like:
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Organ or gland abnormalities
- Blood flow to the heart or lungs
Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center provides you with instructions to prepare for your test in the days prior to your appointment.
What happens during a SPECT/CT scan?
During your SPECT/CT scan, your imaging specialists at Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center inserts an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your arm or hand. They inject the radiopharmaceutical into your blood through the IV.
You lie still on the scanner bed for 30-40 minutes. During the initial five minutes, you undergo the CT scan portion of the test. After that, your provider starts the SPECT scan. You must remain as still as possible during both parts of the scan to achieve the most accurate results. Any movement can interfere with the two scans properly lining up.
After your SPECT/CT scan is complete, the radiology team interprets your results and sends them to your referring provider. to determine if you need additional testing or treatment.
To schedule a consultation to discuss the diagnostic benefits of a SPECT/CT scan, call Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center, or book an appointment online today.
