SPECT SCAN DEFINITION

A Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) scan is a nuclear imaging test that allows a doctor or a technician to analyze the function of internal organs. During the test, a radioactive substance is introduced into the body and a special camera is used to create three-dimensional images of the organs. A SPECT scan can provide a clear picture of blood flow in the heart and activity within the brain.

Most SPECT scans take place in two steps: A radioactive dye is injected or otherwise introduced into the body; and a specific portion of the body is scanned to produce a 3-D image. The radioactive tracer mostly exits the body through urine within a few hours, and the remaining radioactivity is broken down by the body within a few days.

Purposes of a SPECT Scan

A number of diseases and conditions may be diagnosed using a SPECT scan, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Strokes
• Seizure
• Artery blockages within the heart
• Chest pain
• Heart attack
• Various forms of cancer

Risks of a SPECT Scan

While it may sound intimidating to have a radioactive substance introduced into the body, the level of radioactivity is always the lowest necessary to perform the scan, similar to the level of radioactive exposure you might receive throughout the course of a typical year. Some people may demonstrate an allergy to the radioactive tracer, but this is rare. Pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding, should not undergo SPECT scans because the radioactive material may be passed on to the developing fetus or breastfeeding baby.