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If your doctor has recommended that you receive a SPECT scan, you may have questions. This guide will discuss what this imaging technique is used for, what to expect at your appointment, and what various terminology may mean in your results.
While this guide outlines potential findings, your doctor will provide your official diagnosis and next steps during your follow-up appointment. For those who prefer early access, PocketHealth offers secure, instant access as soon as your report is uploaded. This allows you to review your results and prepare questions for your doctor in advance.
SPECT stands for single-photon emission computed tomography. This type of imaging test uses nuclear medicine in the form of radiotracers. These radioactive substances allow for better visibility of your body, particularly organs, tissues, bones and other internal structures. The SPECT scan provides a 3D view of these areas, and the radiotracers will appear differently depending on the tissue type or any underlying conditions.
There are various reasons to have a SPECT scan. It not only reveals organ and tissue function, but it can also assess blood flow through veins and arteries. Some patients will receive a combined SPECT/CT scan (computed tomography), which uses both techniques to create a more detailed evaluation. The most common types of SPECT scans are:
The first part of the SPECT scan is administering the radiotracer. This is often done via injection, but some patients may take the radiotracer orally or through inhalation. The radiotracer then moves throughout the body, gathering in specific areas where it will be visible on a computer screen during the scan. This substance contains very small amounts of radiation, but it is negligible and exits the body within 24 hours through urine.
Often, there will be a delay between the radiotracer administration and the actual scan. They are performed the same day, but the patient may be allowed to leave and return once enough time has passed. The imaging clinic should provide specific instructions regarding this. Additionally, the patient may be asked to drink several glasses of water to help the radiotracer move throughout the body.
From there, the gamma camera, also called a nuclear camera, detects the radiotracers within the body and takes 3D pictures of these areas. How the radiotracer reacts and accumulates can help doctors with diagnoses and assessments. This all happens through the SPECT machine. The patient lies on the exam table while the scanner moves around them, capturing images that are sent to a computer.
Some patients may also receive a nuclear stress test for SPECT heart scans. This means the scan may be done first in a resting state (with no exertion) and then again after a brief period of exercise, such as walking on a treadmill or using an exercise bike. They may also have an electrocardiogram at the same time to monitor the heartbeat. This allows for correlation between specific activities and heart rates to be linked to the results of the SPECT scan.
For brain SPECT scans, patients may have the initial scan as described earlier, then return at a later date for an additional scan. Often, a medication called Diamox is administered before the second scan to increase blood flow to the brain. This allows the doctor to compare the second scan to the first, providing a better evaluation of the brain’s blood flow.
The actual SPECT scan typically takes thirty minutes, but if the patient needs more time for the radiotracer to travel through the body or the areas being scanned are more complex, the procedure could take longer.
Once the scan is complete, the patient can resume normal activities, though it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the radiotracer.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your SPECT scan, both before and on the day of the scan.
Here is a quick overview of what to expect regarding the return of your results.
Medical imaging is usually interpreted by a specialist called a radiologist, who reviews various scans to help evaluate and diagnose injuries and conditions. This information is then passed to your referring provider, who will incorporate their own assessment. For instance, if you have a history of certain symptoms, they may use that data alongside the imaging to arrive at a more specific diagnosis.
SPECT scan result turnaround times depend on the radiologist’s and your referring doctor’s schedules. It can sometimes take a week or more, especially if you receive them at your follow-up appointment.
PocketHealth provides faster access, allowing you to see your results as soon as the radiologist uploads them, giving you time to review findings and prepare questions. For added support, MyCare Navigator generates questions to ask your doctor based on the findings in your report and highlights any follow-up recommendations found in the report.
Although your doctor will explain your results to you, accessing your report before your appointment can give you an early preview. When reviewing your report, it’s common to find the medical terminology complex and confusing. PocketHealth Report Reader simplifies this by offering clear, straightforward definitions for medical terms—simply tap or click on any underlined words to reveal their meaning. Though your doctor will be the one to interpret your personal results, this guide will briefly discuss some common findings in SPECT scan reports.
Normal results (often referred to as “unremarkable”) indicate that the radiotracer is evenly distributed throughout the body and isn’t accumulating in any specific area more than expected. This indicates normal organ or tissue function. Certain areas of the body naturally absorb different amounts of radiotracer, with some tissues absorbing it more than others. There are expected uptake baselines for comparison depending on the tissue or bone type.
Even distribution also shows no blockages in blood flow, no inflammation, and no other issues causing abnormal uptake of the radiotracer. Terms such as “symmetrical” mean that uptake is as expected. No “hot spots” indicates no signs of abnormally increased radiotracer activity. No “cold spots” suggests there is no reduced radiotracer activity, which could indicate tissue damage or insufficient blood flow.
If the radiotracer isn’t distributed or absorbed according to expected baselines, it can be a sign of inflammation, injury or dysfunction. If the areas of the scan appear darker than expected, it may indicate lower activity or blood flow. In the brain, this can point to conditions like epilepsy or dementia. In the heart, it could suggest narrowed arteries or blood flow issues. In the bones, it might indicate cancerous lesions, among other possibilities.
Hot spots appear brighter on SPECT images, which can indicate abnormally increased radiotracer uptake. Cancerous growths, such as tumors or lesions, can cause hot spots. Scar tissue from previous heart attacks may also present this way. Bone infections, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can also show up brighter on the scan.
Numerous conditions could be reflected in irregular SPECT results. Abnormalities typically present in the following ways:
It’s important to remember that abnormal results don’t necessarily indicate cancer or other serious diagnoses. Radiotracer absorption can change with age and vary by person and there may be treatable or benign causes for any irregularities. Additional imaging and tests can help narrow down specific causes and guide next steps.
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding SPECT scans.
The most common reasons to have a SPECT scan are to evaluate the brain, bones and heart for abnormalities, inflammation and injury. This may include cancers, fractures, dementia, brain conditions and organ dysfunction. It’s also an option for patients with implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers, who need scans that don’t use magnetic technology, as with an MRI.
Prior authorization is needed for insurance to cover SPECT imaging. In some situations insurance policies do not provide coverage, however many insurers will cover the scan if certain criteria are met beforehand. Talk to your doctor about any concerns with payment and coverage.
Imaging clinics typically find out in advance if the scan is covered, so they can let you know if any fees are due before your appointment. You can also contact your insurance directly, though you will likely need specific medical billing codes for an accurate answer. Your doctor will have these, and you may be able to ask their billing department for this information.
The cost of a SPECT scan without insurance coverage can range from $1300 to $4000 or more. The more complex the scan, the higher the cost. If your insurance doesn’t cover the appointment, you may be able to ask your doctor for alternative imaging options that could be covered instead.
CT stands for computed tomography. It is a type of X-ray that evaluates your internal structures, bones and organs. A SPECT scan, on the other hand, uses a radiotracer to create detailed 3D images. While both scans can help identify similar conditions, a SPECT scan provides more detailed information about organ and tissue function than a CT scan. Many providers combine both techniques to get the most comprehensive picture.
A SPECT scan doesn’t diagnose or directly show mental illness. However, its ability to map brain activity and blood flow can help identify factors linked to mental health conditions. For example, some patients with dementia or depression have decreased blood flow to the brain.
If the SPECT scan reveals this, it can serve as a starting point for a provider or mental health physician to pursue further diagnostic steps and testing. This imaging can also provide insights into brain activity in conditions like schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While it is a useful tool, it is not a standalone method for diagnosing these conditions.
Radiation risks from a SPECT scan are minimal and generally not a concern, though pregnant and nursing patients should avoid these scans to prevent exposing infants to radiation. Another concern is for patients who have allergies to radiotracers, though this is rare. If you are undergoing the scan and begin to feel unwell or itchy after receiving the radiotracer, let your imaging technician know immediately.
PocketHealth makes it simple to keep track of your medical reports, SPECT results, and other nuclear scans. All of your vital imaging is in one protected location and can be accessed anytime. When used in conjunction with your medical provider’s professional advice, it is a powerful tool for organizing and understanding your health’s progress.
