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.

The most common uses of SPECT are to help diagnose or monitor brain disorders, heart problems and bone disorders.

Brain disorders

SPECT can be helpful in determining which parts of the brain are being affected by:

• Dementia
• Clogged blood vessels
• Seizures
• Epilepsy
• Head injuries

Heart problems

Because the radioactive tracer highlights areas of blood flow, SPECT can check for:

• Clogged coronary arteries. If the arteries that feed the heart muscle become narrowed or clogged, the portions of the heart muscle served by these arteries can become damaged or even die.
• Reduced pumping efficiency. SPECT can show how completely your heart chambers empty during contractions.

Bone disorders

Areas of bone healing or cancer progression usually light up on SPECT scans, so this type of test is being used more frequently to help diagnose hidden bone fractures. SPECT scans can also diagnose and track the progression of cancer that has spread to the bones.

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 was 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.

Risks of radiation

Your health care team uses a small amount of radiation in order to perform a SPECT scan, and the test is not associated with any long-term health risks. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about your exposure to radiation during a SPECT scan.

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.

During the test

SPECT scans involve two steps: receiving a radioactive injection (called a tracer) and using a SPECT machine to scan a specific area of your body.

Receiving a radioactive substance

You'll receive a radioactive substance through an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein in your arm. The tracer dose is very small. You may feel a cold sensation as it enters your body. You may be asked to lie quietly in a room for 20 minutes or more before your scan while your body absorbs the radioactive tracer. In some cases, you may need to wait several hours or, rarely, several days between the injection and your SPECT scan.

Your body's more-active tissues will absorb more of the radioactive substance. For instance, during a seizure, the area of your brain causing the seizure may retain more of the radioactive tracer, which allows doctors to pinpoint the area of your brain causing your seizures.

Undergoing the SPECT scan

The SPECT machine is a large circular device containing a camera that detects the radioactive tracer your body absorbs. During your scan, you lie on a table while the SPECT machine rotates around you. The SPECT machine takes pictures of your internal organs and other structures. The pictures are sent to a computer that uses the information to create 3-D images of your body.

How long your scan takes depends on the reason for your procedure.

After the test

Most of the radioactive tracer leaves your body through your urine within a few hours after your SPECT scan. Your doctor may instruct you to drink more fluids, such as juice or water, after your SPECT scan to help flush the tracer from your body. Your body breaks down the remaining tracer over the next few days.

A radiologist or doctor with advanced training in nuclear medicine will analyze the results of your SPECT scan and send them to your doctor. Pictures from your scan may show colors that tell your doctor what areas of your body absorbed more of the radioactive tracer and which areas absorbed less. For instance, a brain SPECT image might show a lighter color where brain cells are less active and darker colors where brains cells are more active. Some SPECT images show shades of gray, rather than colors.

Ask your health care team how long to expect to wait for your results.