SPECT-CT Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan – Patient Information Guide

 

A SPECT-CT bone scan combines two imaging techniques: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Computed Tomography (CT). This combination provides detailed 3D images of your bones and helps identify areas of abnormal bone activity. A SPECT-CT bone scan helps diagnose various bone-related issues, such as fractures that are difficult to detect with standard X-rays, arthritis and other degenerative bone diseases, bone cancer or cancer that has spread to the bones (metastatic cancer) and other conditions.

 

This powerful modality is also used to guide and monitor treatment plans, differentiate between benign and malignant bone lesions, identify areas of pain that can be targeted, such as the location of back pain.

Pre-Examination

You can usually eat and drink normally before your SPECT-CT bone scan. Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewellery or metal objects before the scan. You can drive yourself to and from the appointment without any issues. Insurance providers and ACC typically cover the cost of a SPECT-CT bone scan.

 

The procedure (1st appointment)

There are two appointments for this scan

The first appointment takes about 15 minutes where a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein in your arm. This is like a blood test and does not make you feel any different. Sometimes we take pictures on the scanner while we do the radioactive injection. The tracer travels through your bloodstream and accumulates in your bones, particularly in areas with high bone turnover. After this you'll be sent away for about 2-3 hours to allow the tracer to be absorbed by your bones, during this time, you are encouraged to drink water and empty your bladder to help distribute the tracer.

 

The scan (2nd appointment)

Following the 2-3 hour wait after the radioisotope injection, you will return for your second appointment to have imaging performed on the SPECT-CT scanner. The scan is completely painless, and you’ll simply need to lie still to help capture clear, accurate images. The scan is straightforward and typically takes just 30 to 45 minutes.

SPECT Scan: You will lie on a table, and a Gamma camera will rotate around you, taking images from multiple angles. This part of the scan detects the radiation emitted by the tracer and creates detailed 3D images of your bones.

CT scan: The CT scan is performed immediately after the SPECT scan. It uses X-rays to provide detailed anatomical images of your bones. The combination of SPECT and CT images allows for precise localisation and characterisation of bone abnormalities.

 

Post Examination

After your scan, drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from your body. The amount of radiation used is very low and considered safe; however, as a precaution, we recommend avoiding close contact (within a metre) with young children or pregnant women for the rest of the day. A radiologist/nuclear medicine physician will carefully review your images and send a detailed report to your referring doctor, who will discuss the results with you. Your images will also be uploaded to the patient portal and can be conveniently accessed via email within a few working days.

 

 

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