What is a SPECT-CT Scan?
A SPECT-CT scan is an advanced imaging scan used to identify many types of cancer and track your progress during the different stages of your cancer journey. It’s a type of nuclear medicine imaging, much like a PET-CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) scan, utilising precise imaging techniques. SPECT-CT scans can also be referred to as a nuclear medicine scan.
At GenesisCare, we use SPECT-CT scans primarily for tumour imaging to help diagnose, manage and plan treatment. We also use them for thyroid imaging, kidney imaging or bone imaging. This helps us keep an eye on how your treatment is going.
One of our expert consultants will assess each scan carefully before providing your referring clinician with your results. At a follow-up appointment, your clinician will help you understand what your results mean and discuss your treatment options.
At GenesisCare, SPECT-CT scans are available at our Windsor centre. We aim to provide scans within five working days of a referral, with your results sent to your doctor within 48 hours of the scan. We also offer a wide range of scan options at our partner hospital, The Cromwell, in London.
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How does a SPECT-CT scan work?
A SPECT-CT scan combines two diagnostic techniques, SPECT and CT imaging, to give detailed 3D images of your body. We often use these scans to show where cancers are or track your cancer treatment progress. Using these scans together is more accurate in diagnosing cancer than a SPECT scan or CT scan alone.
A CT scan creates a detailed image of the inside of your body by using X-rays to take scans from different angles. Then, a computer uses the scans to create a 3D image.
A SPECT scan is taken after you’ve had an injection of a small amount of radioactive material known as a radiotracer. The radiotracer accumulates in specific areas of your body, such as cancer cells, and is detected by the SPECT scanning equipment.
By merging a SPECT and a CT scan, a 3D image of your body is generated, accurately showing where the radiotracer has collected so that we can pinpoint precisely where cancer cells are or any other areas of interest.
Types of radiotracers and their uses
We use a specific type of radiotracer depending on what we’re looking for during the scan. These radiotracers are radioactive, but your exposure to harmful radiation is minimal. We provide more information about this in the following sections.
99mTc HDP bone scans are used to detect changes in your bones. HDP (hydroxymethylene diphosphonate) is attracted to areas of your bones where abnormal growth has occurred. These bone scans will show injury, lesions, or disease, such as cancer, on your bones. It can also be used to help identify improvement or deterioration of your bones after treatment.
At GenesisCare, we also use 99mTc HDP bone scans as part of our Radium-223 treatment pathway to identify possible bone metastases before you start treatment.
123I whole-body scans are used to look for thyroid cancer tissue. We also use 123I (iodine-123) whole-body scans to assess if your radioiodine treatment has been successful.
99mTc DMSA renal scans are used in the imaging of your kidneys. DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) is attracted to your kidneys and can help us assess how your kidneys are working and identify any damaged areas.
What’s the difference between a SPECT-CT and a PET-CT scan?
Both PET-CT scans and SPECT-CT scans work in similar ways. The main difference is the type of radiotracers that are used. Radiotracers used during PET-CT scans release a different type of radiation, and so they need a different kind of scanning equipment to be detected.
Why do I need a SPECT-CT scan?
Your consultant may suggest you need a SPECT-CT scan so we can:
- Detect cancer
- Stage your cancer (find out its size and see if it’s spread)
- Determine if you can have surgery to remove your cancer
- Choose your treatment options
- Plan radiotherapy treatment
- See how well your cancer is responding to treatment or if it’s come back
A SPECT-CT image is particularly useful as it can look at your bones or whole body.
How much does a SPECT-CT scan cost?
The cost of SPECT-CT scanning can vary depending on the area of your body that needs to be scanned or the type of radioisotope needed. This is because imaging larger areas or multiple parts of your body requires several scans to be taken by a highly trained nuclear medicine radiographer. One of our expert consultants will then assess each scan carefully before providing your results.
We’re recognised by all major private medical insurers and also offer a range of self-payment options. We can help guide you through the referral process.
What to expect when having your scan?
It’s important to know what to expect when having your SPECT-CT scan. If you have any other concerns, please speak to your consultant. SPECT-CT scans are painless and help us in planning the best treatment pathway for you.
Each type of SPECT-CT scan may require different preparations. Our nuclear medicine staff will discuss with you exactly what is required for your individual exam at the time of booking. In most instances no specific preparation is required, and any medications can be taken as normal.
Usually there are no fasting requirements for a nuclear medicine scan, but it is advised that you are well hydrated on the day of your scan. A nuclear medicine staff specialist will advise you if there are any specific preparation requirements for your scan. It is important to know that SPECT-CT scans are more variable, and depending on the type of scan, you may need to return over several days for scanning. In addition, the length of time at these sessions can vary from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. This will be discussed in more detail with you beforehand.
If you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or know there is a chance that you might be, please inform the centre where you’ll be having your SPECT-CT scan ahead of your appointment.
Nuclear medicine radiotracers don’t cause allergic reactions. However, you should let your nuclear medicine radiographer know if you feel unwell during any part of the procedure or injection.
Once you’ve arrived at your appointment, your nuclear medicine radiographer will ask you to change into a patient gown and remove any jewellery or other metal objects which may interfere with the scan. A private changing area and locker for your personal items are provided for your use during your appointment.
Before your SPECT-CT scan, your nuclear medicine radiographer will insert an IV (intravenous) cannula (a thin tube) into a vein in your hand or arm. Then, the tracer is injected through the IV cannula. The tracer will only remain in your body for a few hours and is eliminated naturally from your body when you urinate. It will not produce any side effects. Once you’re ready to have your scan, your nuclear medicine radiographer will take you into the scanning room. They’ll ask you to lie down on your back on the couch and help you into the correct position. It’s essential that you don’t move during the scan so the nuclear medicine radiographer can get the best possible pictures.
Your nuclear medicine radiographer will leave the room, but they’ll be able to see you on a screen for the duration of the scan. You’ll also be able to talk to one another through an intercom system. You may be given some specific instructions during the scan.
When the scan starts, the couch will slowly move backwards and forwards through the opening of the scanner. Your nuclear medicine radiographer may tilt, raise or lower the couch to ensure they get images from different angles. You may hear clicking or whirring sounds from the machine. This is normal and is part of the machine taking the images.
We’ll send your results to the consultant who requested the scan, usually within 24-48 hours of completing the scan.
Depending on the area you’re having scanned, it may take 30 minutes to an hour and a half. The scan itself is painless, but you may find that lying in the same position causes you a little discomfort, but we’ll try to make you as comfortable as possible. Once your scan has finished, your nuclear medicine radiographer will come back into the room and help you off the couch.
You shouldn’t experience any side effects from your SPECT-CT scan. You can usually go home as soon as your imaging is complete and your cannula has been removed. You’ll need to drink plenty of fluids to flush the radiotracer out of your system, and you can eat as normal.
A SPECT-CT scan is a low-risk procedure. The amount of radiation you’ll receive from it is equivalent to about five years of naturally occurring (‘background’) radiation. A qualified member of our team always decides when a SPECT-CT scan is necessary.
Your SPECT-CT scan will provide us with important information, and it’s considered that the benefit for you outweighs the risk from radiation. If you have any concerns or want some more information about the risks of a SPECT-CT scan, you can speak to your consultant or read the guidance from Public Health England.
After your scan has finished, you can usually go home once your cannula has been removed.
Because of the radioactivity in your system, your nuclear medicine radiographer will give you some safety advice before you leave the centre. As a precaution, you’ll need to avoid prolonged close contact with young children or pregnant women for the rest of the day after your scan. We’ll discuss this with you in more detail on the day. The radiotracer used will be eliminated naturally from your body in your urine.
If you feel unwell after your scan, you should let your nuclear medicine radiographer know before leaving the centre. If you’ve had medicine to help you relax during the scan, you’ll need to have someone take you home. You shouldn’t drive for the rest of the day as you’ll likely be drowsy.
Your SPECT-CT scan will provide us with important information, and it’s considered that the benefit for you outweighs the risk from radiation. If you have any concerns or want some more information about the risks of a SPECT-CT scan, you can speak to your consultant or read the guidance from Public Health England.
Book an appointment
Contact us today to book an appointment for fast access to advanced diagnostics or if you’d like a second opinion.
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