SPECT Scan

Nuclear SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging includes a wide array of exams that are used for many different purposes. The following is just a short list:

  • Gastric Emptying- this exam analyzes how long it takes for your stomach to empty.
  • HIDA- this exam looks at how your gallbladder is functioning.
  • Bone Scan- this exam helps identify abnormal growth or decomposition of bone structures.
  • MUGA- this exam looks at the viability of your heart muscles.
  • Cardiac Stress Test- this exam images how your heart functions at different levels of rest and stress.
     

What to expect during your nuclear SPECT exam…SPECT Imaging - Nebraska Advanced Radiology

All Nuclear SPECT imaging is done on the same machine. It is not like a CT or MRI machine, but rather a flat table with a machine that will move around your body depending on which body part we are imaging. It is quiet and painless and you should feel normal when the exam is complete. We do ask that you inform us if you are or could be pregnant or if you are currently breast feeding. Because each of these exams involve a radioactive pharmaceutical, breast feeding may not be done for 24 hours after the exam and we recommend that you are not around children under the age of 18 for at least 4 hours after your appointment.


Bone Scan

  • No patient prep necessary
  • You will come to the office for your injection and then return 3 hours later
  • If you are having a three-phase bone scan, you will have one set of imaging done directly after your injection and then return 4 hours later for additional imaging
  • Appointment will take approximately 1 hour

Gastric Emptying

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam
  • No Reglan for 24-48 hours
  • No egg allergy
  • Appointment will take approximately 1 ½ hours

HIDA

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam
  • No narcotics for 24 hours
  • Appointment may take a little over 2 hours

Rest/Stress & Induced Stress

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam
  • No caffeine for 24 hours
  • No xanthine products for 24 hours
  • Appointment may take between 2 to 3 hours

MUGA, GI Bleed, Liver scan, MAG 3

  • No patient prep is necessary
  • Appointment will take approximately 1 hour

Meckels

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to your exam
  • Appointment will take approximately 1 hour

Renal Scan

  • No patient prep necessary
  • Please drink LOTS of water!!
  • Appointment will take approximately 1 ½ hours
     

 

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