Breadcrumb
- Home
- Tests, Treatments & Medications
- Medical Tests
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
Content Map Terms
Tests, Treatments & Medications Categories
-
Medications
- Immunization, Inactivated influenza
- Anthrax Vaccine
- Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus Vaccines
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine
- Hepatitis A Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Herpes-Zoster Vaccine for Shingles
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine
- Meningococcal Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccines
- Polio Vaccine
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Weight-Loss Medicines
- Non-Prescription Products for Weight Loss
- Obesity: Should I Take Weight-Loss Medicine?
-
Medical Tests
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Abdominal X-Ray
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Albumin Urine Test
- Aldosterone in Blood
- Aldosterone in Urine
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- Allergy Tests
- Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Blood
- Ambulatory Electrocardiogram
- Ammonia
- Amniocentesis
- Amylase
- Angiogram
- Angiogram of the Head and Neck
- Angiogram of the Lung
- Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
- Antisperm Antibody Test
- Antithyroid Antibody Tests
- Arterial Blood Gases
- Arthrogram (Joint X-Ray)
- Arthroscopy
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Autoimmune Disease Tests
- Autopsy
- Barium Enema
- Bilirubin
- Biophysical Profile (BPP)
- Biopsy of Genital Warts
- Bladder Stress Test in Women
- Blood Alcohol
- Blood Culture
- Blood Glucose
- Blood Type Test
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Body Temperature
- Bone Biopsy
- Bone Density
- Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
- Bone Scan
- Bowel Transit Time
- Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test
- Breast Biopsy
- Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test
- Breast Ultrasound
- Bronchoscopy
- C-Peptide
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Calcium (Ca) in Blood
- Calcium (Ca) in Urine
- Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)
- Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
- Cardiac Blood Pool Scan
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac Enzyme Studies
- Cardiac Perfusion Scan
- Catecholamines in Blood
- Catecholamines in Urine
- CD4+ Count
- Celiac Disease Antibodies
- Cell-Free Fetal DNA Test
- Chemistry Screen
- Chest X-Ray
- Chlamydia Tests
- Chloride (Cl)
- Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
- Clinical Breast Examination
- Clostridium Difficile Toxins
- Cold Agglutinins
- Colonoscopy
- Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Head and Face
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine
- Computed Tomography Angiogram
- Contraction Stress Test
- Coombs Antibody Test
- Coronary Calcium Scan
- Cortisol in Blood
- Cortisol in Urine
- Cranial Ultrasound
- Creatine Kinase
- Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance
- Cystometry
- Bacterial Vaginosis Tests
- Cystoscopy
- Cystourethrogram
- D-Dimer Test
- D-Xylose Absorption Test
- DHEA-S Test
- Dental X-Rays
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
- Doppler Ultrasound
- Ear Examination
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
- Electronystagmography (ENG)
- Electrophysiology Study
- Electrophysiology Tests for the Eyes
- Endometrial Biopsy
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)
- Endoscopic Sinus Examination for Sinusitis
- Esophagus Tests
- Evoked Potential Test for Multiple Sclerosis
- Exercise Electrocardiogram
- Extremity X-Ray
- Facial X-Ray
- Ferritin
- Fertility Awareness
- Fetal Blood Sampling (FBS) for Rh Sensitization During Pregnancy
- Fetal Ultrasound
- Folic Acid Test
- Galactosemia Test
- Gallbladder Scan
- Gallium Scan
- Gastrin
- Genetic Test
- Glycohemoglobin
- Gonioscopy
- Gonorrhea Test
- Growth Hormone
- HIV Viral Load Measurement
- Hair Analysis
- Hearing Tests
- Heart Catheterization for Congenital Heart Defects
- Helicobacter Pylori Tests
- Hemochromatosis Gene Test
- Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
- Hepatitis A Virus Test
- Hepatitis B Virus Tests
- Hepatitis C Virus Tests
- Herpes Tests
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
- Home Blood Glucose Test
- Home Blood Pressure Test
- Home Ear Examination
- Home Lung Function Test
- Home Pregnancy Tests
- Homocysteine
- Hormone Inhibin A
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test
- Hysterosalpingogram
- Hysteroscopy
- Immunoglobulins
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
- Iron (Fe)
- Joint Fluid Analysis
- KOH Preparation
- Karyotype Test
- Ketones
- Kidney Biopsy
- Kidney Scan
- Kidney Stone Analysis
- Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Lactic Acid
- Laparoscopy
- Laryngoscopy
- Lead
- Lipase
- Liver Biopsy
- Liver Function Tests
- Liver and Spleen Scan
- Lumbar Puncture
- Lung Biopsy
- Lung Cancer Screening: Low-Dose CT Scan
- Lung Function Tests
- Lung VQ Scan
- Lyme Disease Test
- Lymph Node Biopsy
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Abdomen
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Breast
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Head
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Knee
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Shoulder
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Mammogram
- Mediastinoscopy
- Medicine Levels in Blood
- Mental Health Assessment
- Mononucleosis Tests
- Myelogram
- Myoglobin Test
- Needle Puncture and Aspiration of Sinus Contents
- Neurological Examination for Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Nuchal Translucency Screening Test
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
- Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test
- Pap Test
- Paracentesis
- Parathyroid Hormone
- Partial Thromboplastin Time
- Pelvic Examination
- Pelvic Ultrasound
- Pericardial Drainage
- Perimetry Test for Glaucoma
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) Test
- Phosphate in Blood
- Phosphate in Urine
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Potassium (K) in Blood
- Potassium (K) in Urine
- Prealbumin Blood Test
- Prolactin
- Prostate Biopsy
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
- Prothrombin Time and INR
- Pulse Measurement
- Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test
- Rapid Strep Test for Strep Throat
- Renin Assay
- Reticulocyte Count
- Retinal Imaging
- Retrograde Pyelogram for Kidney Stones
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- Rubella Test
- Salivary Gland Scan
- Sedimentation Rate
- Seizure Medicine Levels in Blood
- Self-Examination for Dental Plaque
- Semen Analysis
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Serum Osmolality
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)
- Sickle Cell Test
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
- Skin Biopsy
- Skin and Wound Cultures
- Skull X-Ray
- Sleep Studies
- Slit Lamp Examination
- Sodium (Na) in Blood
- Sodium (Na) in Urine
- Sonohysterogram
- Spinal X-Ray
- Sputum Culture
- Sputum Cytology
- Stool Analysis
- Stool Culture
- Stool Tests for Colorectal Cancer
- Swallowing Study
- Sweat Test
- Syphilis Tests
- Tay-Sachs Test
- Testicular Biopsy
- Testicular Examination and Testicular Self-Examination
- Testicular Scan
- Testicular Ultrasound
- Testosterone
- Tests for Erection Problems
- Thick and Thin Blood Smears for Malaria
- Thoracentesis
- Throat Culture
- Thyroid Biopsy
- Thyroid Hormone Tests
- Thyroid Scan
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasound
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Tissue Type Test
- Tonometry
- Total Serum Protein
- Toxicology Tests
- Toxoplasmosis Test
- Tuberculin Skin Test
- Tympanocentesis for Ear Infections
- Tympanometry
- Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Uric Acid in Blood
- Uric Acid in Urine Test
- Urine Culture
- Urine Test
- Urodynamic Tests for Urinary Incontinence
- Vaginal Examination for Preterm Labour
- Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE)
- Vaginal Wet Mount
- Viral Tests
- Vision Tests
- Vitamin B12 Test
- Vitamin D Test
-
Surgery
- Achilles Tendon Rupture: Should I Have Surgery?
- ACL Injury: Should I Have Knee Surgery?
- Blood Transfusions: Should I Bank Blood Before Surgery?
- Bunions: Should I Have Surgery?
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Should I Have Surgery?
- Cataracts: Should I Have Surgery?
- Dupuytren's Disease: Should I Have Hand Surgery?
- Ear Problems: Should My Child Be Treated for Fluid Buildup in the Middle Ear?
- Endometriosis: Should I Have a Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy?
- Enlarged Prostate: Should I Have Surgery?
- Gallstones: Should I Have Gallbladder Surgery?
- GERD: Which Treatment Should I Use?
- Coronary Artery Disease: Should I Have Bypass Surgery?
- Hysterectomy: Should I Also Have My Ovaries Removed?
- Inguinal Hernia: Should I Have Surgery Now, or Should I Wait?
- Lumbar Herniated Disc: Should I Have Surgery?
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery?
- Meniscus Tear: Should I Have Surgery?
- Nearsightedness: Should I Have Laser Surgery?
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery?
- Peripheral Arterial Disease: Should I Have Surgery?
- Plantar Fasciitis: Should I Have Surgery for Heel Pain?
- Rotator Cuff Problems: Should I Have Surgery?
- Scoliosis: Should My Child Have Surgery?
- Sinusitis: Should I Have Surgery?
- Sleep Apnea: Should I Have Surgery?
- Stress Incontinence in Women: Should I Have Surgery?
- Tennis Elbow: Should I Have Surgery?
- Temporomandibular Disorder: Should I Have Surgery for Jaw Pain?
- Tonsillitis: Should My Child Have a Tonsillectomy?
- Ulcerative Colitis: Should I Have Surgery?
- Umbilical Hernia: Should I Have Surgery?
- Umbilical Hernia: Should My Child Have Surgery?
- Uterine Fibroids: Should I Have Surgery?
- Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?
- Wisdom Teeth: Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
-
Treatments
- Advance Care Planning: Should I Receive CPR and Life Support?
- Advance Care Planning: Should I Stop Treatment That Prolongs My Life?
- Hearing Loss: Should I Get Hearing Aids?
- Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Have Catheter Ablation?
- Hemorrhoids: Which Treatment Should I Use?
- Kidney Failure: What Type of Dialysis Should I Have?
- Low Back Pain: Should I Try Epidural Steroid Shots?
- Obesity: Should I Use a Diet Plan to Lose Weight?
- Warts: Should I Treat Warts?
- First Aid
Test Overview
Single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (a radioactive substance in liquid form) to look at organs or bones in the body. During the test, the tracer is put into a vein (intravenous, or IV) in your arm. Sometimes it's taken by mouth or inhaled through the nose.
The tracer moves through your body, where it may collect in the specific organ or tissue. The tracer gives off tiny bits of radiation called gamma rays. The camera records the gamma rays. Then a computer turns the recording into 3-dimensional pictures. SPECT scan pictures show how organs are working.
Other types of scans, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show more details of the organs themselves. The SPECT picture may be matched with those from a CT scan to get more detailed information about where the tracer is located.
A SPECT scan is often used to evaluate brain, head, and neck problems; to look at blood flow to the heart; to examine bones; and to diagnose problems in other organs such as the gall bladder, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Why It Is Done
A SPECT scan is done to:
- Check to see how well treatments are working.
- Examine bones for signs of cancer and sometimes for fractures or degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
- Evaluate brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, Parkinson's, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and stroke.
- Help diagnose some psychological conditions, including schizophrenia.
- Help determine brain death.
- Find out what's causing seizures, including for epilepsy.
- Find poor blood flow to the heart, which may mean coronary artery disease or other heart conditions.
- Assess heart attack risk or find damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.
- Diagnose gall bladder disease.
- Evaluate the extent of some cancers, especially lymphomas and lung cancer.
- Help a doctor choose the best treatment for cancer or find out how well cancer treatment is working.
- Check the liver, kidney, and spleen for cancers.
- Find tumors in the endocrine system.
- Find areas of inflammation or infection.
How To Prepare
- Before you have a SPECT scan, tell your doctor if you:
- Have diabetes. If you take medicine to control diabetes, you may need to take less than your normal dose. Talk with your doctor about how much medicine you should take.
- Have had other nuclear scans.
- Have any allergies, especially to iodine.
- Take any medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies. You may need to stop taking some medicines or change your dose before this test.
- Are or might be pregnant.
- Are breastfeeding. The radioactive tracer used in this test can get into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed your baby for 2 days after this test. During this time, you can give your baby breast milk you stored before the test, or you can give formula. Don't use the breast milk you pump for 2 days after the test. Get rid of it.
- Have a fear of enclosed spaces.
- You may not be able to eat or drink for at least 6 hours before some SPECT scans. Ask your doctor when or if you need to fast before the test.
- Your doctor will also let you know if you should avoid smoking or drinking caffeine or alcohol for 24 hours before this test.
- You may be asked to sign a consent form.
- Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done or what the results mean.
How It Is Done
A single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan is done in a hospital nuclear medicine department or at a special radiology center by a radiologist or nuclear medicine specialist and a technologist. You will lie on a table that is hooked to a large scanner, cameras, and a computer.
During the test
The radioactive tracer is usually given in a vein (IV). You may need to wait as long as an hour for the tracer to move through your body. During this time, you may need to avoid moving and talking.
The SPECT scanner is a large machine that scans your body. It has two cameras that rotate slowly around your body. They will be very close to your body but should not touch you. The scanned pictures are sent to a computer screen so your doctor can see them. Many scans are done to make a series of pictures.
It's very important to lie still while each scan is being done. At some medical centers, a CT scan will be done at the same time.
For a SPECT scan of the brain, you will lie on a bed. You may be asked to read, name letters, or tell a story, depending on whether speech, reasoning, or memory is being tested. During the scan, you may be given earplugs and a blindfold (if you don't need to read during the test) to wear for your comfort.
If you are having a SPECT scan of your heart, electrodes for an electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) will be put on your body. During the test, you will be alone in the scanner room. The technologist will watch you through a window. You will be able talk to him or her at all times through a two-way intercom.
The test takes 1 to 3 hours. You may need to return for follow-up scans.
After the test
After the test, drink lots of fluids for the next 24 hours to help flush the tracer out of your body.
Be careful with body fluids. Flush toilets and wash hands well right after you use the bathroom. Avoid using a urinal.
How It Feels
You won't feel pain during the test. The table you lie on may be hard, and the room may be cool. It may be difficult to lie still during the test.
You may feel a quick sting or pinch when the IV is put in your arm. The tracer is unlikely to cause any side effects. If you don't feel well during or after the test, tell the person who is doing the test.
You may feel nervous while the SPECT scanner moves around you.
Risks
Allergic reactions to the tracer are very rare.
In rare cases, you may have some soreness or swelling at the IV site where the radioactive tracer was put in. If so, apply a moist, warm compress to your arm.
Anytime you're exposed to radiation, there's a small chance of damage to cells or tissue. That's the case even with the low-level radioactive tracer used for this test. But the chance of damage is very low compared with the benefits of the test.
Most of the tracer will leave your body through your urine or stool within a day. So be sure to flush the toilet right after you use it, and wash your hands well with soap and water. The amount of radiation in the tracer is very small. This means it isn't a risk for people to be around you after the test.
Results
Single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (a radioactive substance in liquid form) to look at organs in the body.
The radiologist may discuss preliminary results of the SPECT scan with you right after the test. Complete results are usually available in 1 to 2 days.
Heart: |
Normal: |
|
Abnormal: |
|
|
Brain (such as epilepsy, dementia, stroke): |
Normal: |
|
Abnormal: |
|
|
Bone: |
Normal: |
|
Abnormal: |
|
|
Other: |
Normal: |
|
Abnormal: |
|
What Affects the Test
You may not be able to have the test or the results may not be helpful if:
- You are pregnant. A SPECT scan usually isn't done during pregnancy because the radiation could harm the unborn baby (fetus).
- You aren't able to lie still for the test.
- You use sedatives.
- You take medicines, such as insulin, that change your metabolism.
- You recently had surgery, a biopsy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Credits
Current as of: December 19, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Howard Schaff MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Current as of: December 19, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Howard Schaff MD - Diagnostic Radiology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
HealthLinkBC Files
HealthLinkBC Files are easy-to-understand fact sheets on a range of public health and safety topics including disease prevention and immunizations.
Find Services and Resources
If you are looking for health services in your community, you can use the HealthLinkBC Directory to find hospitals, clinics, and other resources.