A SPECT scan uses radioactive tracers injected into the body to produce 3D images showing physiological functioning of organs. It involves detecting gamma rays emitted by the radionuclides. SPECT scans can be used to evaluate brain, cardiac, and bone conditions. Preparations may include removing metal jewelry and informing staff of medications. Risks are generally low but include possible reactions to tracers. SPECT provides functional information beyond what structural X-rays show.

1. SPECT SCAN
Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Scan
Presented by: RADTECH STUDENT

2. What is SPECT SCAN?
SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED
TOMOGRAPHY (SPECT) SCAN is a Nuclear
Medicine imaging modality, which involves the
use of radionuclides injected intravenously
into the body, to produce a 3D distribution of
the gamma rays emitted by the radionuclide,
giving physiological information about the
organ of interest.

3. Picture of SPECT system

4. How you prepare
How you prepare for a SPECT scan depends on your
particular situation. Ask your health care team
whether you need to make any special preparations
before your SPECT scan.
In general, you should:
• Leave metallic jewelry at home.
• Inform the technologist if you’re pregnant or breast-
feeding.
• Bring a list of all the medications and supplements
you take.

6. Risks
For most people, SPECT scans are safe. If you receive
an injection or infusion of radioactive tracer, you
may experience:
• Bleeding, pain or swelling where the needle
inserted in your arm
• Rarely, an allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer
SPECT scans aren’t safe for women who are pregnant
or breast-feeding because the radioactive tracer may
be passed to the developing fetus or the nursing
baby.

7. PURPOSE OF TEST
SPECT scans can be used for a variety of purpose, which
they’re readily available at most hospitals, clinics, and
imaging centers. Some of the reasons your doctor may
choose to order this test include the suspicion or need for
monitoring of:
• Brain and neurological conditions
• Cardiac conditions
• Bone disorders
SPECT, like other nuclear scans, uses radioactive tracers-
carrier molecules that are bonded with radioactive atoms, to
evaluate, diagnose, and treat a range of illness. Different
traces perform different functions, and the doctor chooses
the tracer that’s appropriate for you depending on your
symptoms or disease that’s being be evaluated.

8. Overview
A single-photon emission computerized tomography
(SPECT) scan lets your doctor analyze the function of
some of your internal organs. A SPECT scan is a type
of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a
radioactive substance and a special camera to create
3-D pictures.
While imaging tests such as X-rays can show what the
structures inside your body look like, a SPECT scan
produces images that show how your organs work. For
instance, a SPECT scan can show how blood flows to
your heart or what areas of your brain are more active
or less active.

9. PARTS OF THE MACHINE

10. HISTORY
• David Goldenberg demonstrated that radiolabeled antibodies
against a human tumor antigen (CEA) could target and image
human tumors in animals.
• John Keyes developed the first general purpose single photo
emission computed tomography (SPECT) camera.
• Ronald Jaszczak developed the first dedicated
head SPECT camera.
• Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has a long
history of development since its initial demonstration by Kuhl and
Edwards in 1963.