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Nuclear Medicine Scan


A Nuclear Medicine scan is an imaging test that provides information about how different parts of the body are working and can show problems in, for example, your bones, heart, lungs and thyroid.

SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography plus CT) is one of the nuclear medicine scans we provide. Adding SPECT gives a more complete picture by combining how your body is working with detailed images of its structure.
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Do I need to confirm my appointment?

Yes, please confirm if you are unable to attend.
If you have any other queries, please call us on 06 873 1166.

Are there any side effects or risks?

You will be exposed to a very low dose of radiation which is comparable to X-rays and CT scans.
Reactions to the tracers can occur but are extremely rare. SPECT-CT is exceptionally safe and a well tolerated test. You can continue with your usual daily activities after your scan. It will not make you drowsy and will not prevent you from driving a car. Your doctor will tell you that the benefits of the test far outweigh any minor

Preparing for your scan

You will need to follow specific preparation instructions, which will depend on the type of scan you will have. The instructions will be on your appointment letter. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please let us know.

On the day

We will administer a small amount of radioactive tracer through a vein in your arm.
Sometimes we will perform imaging straight away to look at the passage of the tracer through your body.
In other cases, the tracer accumulates in the tissues slowly. If this is the case, you can leave the clinic and return later for imaging. This wait could be for several hours or sometimes the next day.
The scan takes between 15 - 120 minutes. The duration depends on the clinical questions we are answering.

After your scan

Most of the radioactive tracer leaves your body through your urine within a few hours of your scan.
You may be told to drink more water, after your scan. This helps flush the tracer from your body.
Your body breaks down the remaining tracer over the next few days.
We recommend you avoid spending extended hours in close proximity with pregnant women and small children. Otherwise, you may carry out your normal day-to-day activities.

FAQs

After your scan is completed, a specialist will interpret your images and generate a report, which will be sent to your referring doctor.
If you have a further appointment with your referrer, please let us know the date when you attend your scan.

Friends or relatives bringing you to your appointment will be allowed to stay with you while we discuss your procedure. In special circumstances we will allow one person to remain with you. Please note that during your scan, they may be asked to wait outside the scan room.
Please do not bring children, pregnant friends or relatives with you.

Your time in the clinic depends on what type of scan you will have. You will be given a timeframe when you book your scan.

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