SPECT CT scan

Appointments – Nuclear Medicine RVI: (0191) 282 4038 Freeman Hospital: (0191) 213 8200

What is a SPECT CT Scan?

A SPECT-CT scan is a type of nuclear medicine scan where the images or pictures from two different types of scans are combined together. The combined scan can provide precise information about how different parts of the body are working and clearly identify problems.

SPECT is short for single-photon emission computed tomography

SPECT images are taken after an injection of a small amount of radioactive material known as a radiopharmaceutical. This is taken up by specific areas in the body, depending on the type of scan being carried out.

Some time after this injection, you will be asked to lie comfortably on a special table. A Gamma Camera will be positioned over your body and will be rotated around you. The camera detects the radioactive substance inside your body and displays this information as a picture on a screen.

CT images are also taken to show exactly where within the body the radiopharmaceutical has been taken up.

Who performs the scan?

The person who carries out the scan is called a Technologist and will explain the procedure to you and show you how to position yourself.  It is important that you lie still for the duration of the scan.

Do I need any special preparation before the examination?

Please eat and drink as normal, and continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor, unless specifically told otherwise. 

Try to wear clothing without metal zip fastenings or clips. If this is not possible a hospital gown and changing facilities are provided.

Please try to leave personal valuables at home.

I am a diabetic. Does this change anything?

Yes, for some tests you will need to speak to a member of staff. This will be outlined in your appointment letter along with the telephone number.  

What happens before my scan?

When you arrive in the department you should report to the Nuclear Medicine Reception desk. The nurse or technologist will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your scan. 

The procedure requires the intravenous injection of a radioactive tracer. There may be an interval of time, hours or days before taking the images; this will depend on the type of investigation.

Depending on which area of your body is to be scanned, you may be asked to undress, in which case, a gown will be provided. 

SPECT CT scanning of pregnant women should be avoided whenever possible. 

To avoid accidental irradiation, all females between the ages of 11 and 55 years are asked the date of their last menstrual period (LMP). From this information staff will decide if there is cause for the examination to be postponed or if it is safe to continue.   Please contact our department if you think you may be pregnant

How long will my scan take?

This will depend on the test you are having, please refer to your appointment letter which will have specific details.

How does it feel?

You should not experience anything to cause any discomfort. However, if the CT part of your test requires that you are given an injection of x-ray dye you may get a warm feeling all over your body and a sensation as if you are passing water. If you get these sensations, they will pass within 30 seconds. The technologist will explain this to you when you attend for your appointment.

What happens after the scan? When will I get my results?

After your scan has finished we will not be able to tell you the results as the reporting Radiologist or Physicist will need to study the images carefully. The results will be sent back to the doctor who referred you for your scan. This process takes approximately 2 weeks, so unless other arrangements have been made you should expect to hear something after this time.

If you are undergoing planned investigations on a ward, the result will be sent to the ward as soon as possible. The doctors on the ward may be able to discuss the findings with you.

Can I drive home?

Yes.

I need an ambulance/transport. Do you arrange it?

If you need an ambulance/ transport, you should ask your GP Surgery to arrange it. You will need to give them three working days’ notice. Please note that hospital transport is provided on medical need only.

What are the benefits of having a SPECT CT scan?

This examination will help us make the correct diagnosis so you will be able to be given the correct treatment.

What are the risks of having a SPECT CT scan?

We live with background radiation constantly. The additional amount of radiation you receive from a SPECT CT scan is small. Modern equipment is designed to keep the dose to patients as low as possible. If your doctor has asked for a scan, then he or she will have decided that the benefit of having the information that the scan gives, is greater than the risk of the small dose of radiation. Since radiation can harm unborn babies, if you are, or could be pregnant, please tell the radiographer or nurse before you have the scan. This is very important.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If your appointment time is not convenient please contact us to arrange a more appropriate date and time. This will enable us to reallocate valuable scanning time to someone else:

Freeman Nuclear Medicine Appointments

Telephone: 0191 213 8200 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

RVI Nuclear Medicine Appointments

Telephone: 0191 282 4038 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

What if I have any comments or suggestions?

Should you have any suggestions or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting your examination or by letter addressed to the hospital that you are attending your examination:

The Departmental Manager, Nuclear Medicine, Freeman Hospital, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN

Telephone: 0191 213 8210

or

The Departmental Manager, Nuclear Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP    

Telephone: 0191 282 4038

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Switchboard Telephone: 0191 233 6161 (24 hours)

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can offer on-the-spot advice and information about the NHS. You can contact them on:

Freephone 0800 032 02 02 or

Email northoftynepals@nhct.nhs.uk

Diagnostic Imaging Dataset

Information from your diagnostic test will contribute to the Diagnostic Imaging Dataset. 

The Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DID) is a database that holds information on the imaging tests and scans carried out on NHS patients. This will allow the Health and Social Care Information Centre to see how different tests are used across the country.

Nothing will ever be reported that identifies you.  All information is stored securely. It is only made available to appropriate staff, and is kept strictly confidential. However, if you do not want your information to be stored in the DID, please tell the people who are treating you. They will make sure your information is not copied into the DID.

You can still decide to opt out at a later date.  Please contact the Health and Social Care Information Centre directly, their contact details are:

Telephone: 0845 300 6016 

Email: enquiries@ic.nhs.uk