
The SPECT-CT Bone Scan: Reform Radiology
For uncovering the root cause of unexplained bone pain or diagnosing hidden injuries, precision is critical. Enter the SPECT-CT bone scan.
In the realm of advanced medical diagnostics, the SPECT-CT bone scan stands out as a pivotal tool, offering unparalleled insight into bone health.
A powerful fusion of two imaging technologies, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Computed Tomography (CT). This combination provides detailed three-dimensional images of your bones and helps identify areas of abnormal bone activity.
Now available at Reform Radiology’s Molecular Imaging and Therapy Centre, located opposite Forté Health on Kilmore St, the SPECT-CT bone scan provides both structural and metabolic information, making it invaluable for detecting subtle changes early.
As Reform’s radiologist and nuclear medicine specialist Dr Stefan Gabrielson explains, “Bone scans are one of the most highly sensitive tools we have in nuclear medicine – they can detect subtle metabolic changes early after symptom onset, often before abnormalities are visible on traditional x-rays.”
A SPECT-CT bone scan is instrumental in diagnosing a wide range of various bone-related conditions, including:
- Fractures: Detecting subtle fractures not visible on standard x-rays.
- Arthritis and degenerative diseases: Identifying early signs of joint inflammation and wear.
- Bone cancer and metastases: Locating primary bone cancers or identifying cancer spread from other body parts.
- Other bone disorders: Assessing conditions affecting bone metabolism and structure.
This powerful modality is also used to guide and monitor treatment plans, differentiate between benign and malignant bone lesions, and identify areas of pain that can be targeted, such as the location of back pain. A specialist or GP referral is required for a SPECT-CT bone scan.
What to expect
Pre-examination: You can usually eat and drink normally before your SPECT-CT bone scan.
The procedure:
Your scan involves two appointments on the same day.
At the first appointment, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into your arm – quick and straightforward. After a two to three-hour break (to allow the tracer to be absorbed by your bones), it’s time to return for imaging.
During the SPECT scan, you lie still on a table while a Gamma camera takes a combination of functional and anatomical images from multiple angles. The CT scan is performed immediately after the SPECT scan. It uses x-rays to provide detailed anatomical images of your bones.
The scan is painless and takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Afterwards:
The radiation dose is very low, but you’ll be advised to avoid close contact with young children or pregnant women for the rest of the day. Drinking water will help flush the tracer from your system. Results are reviewed by a nuclear medicine specialist and sent to your referring doctor.
You can also access your images via the patient portal. For peace of mind through precision, visit reformradiology.co.nz.