A SPECT bone scan involves injecting a radioactive tracer and imaging the bones with a gamma camera. It is highly sensitive and useful for detecting hairline fractures. The process takes several hours, including waiting for the tracer to circulate, and the scan itself takes up to an hour. After the scan, patients are advised to drink plenty of water to clear the tracer from their body.
In a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) bone scan, a patient’s bones will be imaged with a gamma camera after a radioactive tracer has been injected. The scan itself takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and requires the patient to be very still on a table. The entire process involves waiting three to four hours for the tracer to circulate, and patients should plan to spend half a day on a SPECT bone scan.
This test is highly sensitive and provides a detailed picture of the bones. A doctor may order a SPECT bone scan if there are concerns about hairline fractures, especially in the spine. These fractures will not show up in conventional imaging studies. In some cases, doctors require a three-step test, in which three sets of images are taken over the course of several hours, while in other cases, a single set of images is sufficient.
The first step in a SPECT bone scan is the placement of the tracer material. This material will be absorbed by the bones as it circulates through the body and the radiation dose involved is very low. After the scan, it will be eliminated in sweat and urine. The risk of allergic reactions to the tracer is low, but patients should ensure that doctors are aware of allergies, and pregnant patients should consult their obstetricians to determine if the scan is safe.
It takes about three hours for the tracer to fully circulate. Some clinics allow patients to leave and return, while others welcome patients who would rather wait in the clinic. Once the tracer has been absorbed, the patient is asked to lie down on a table and will be scanned. SPECT bone scan takes about an hour if a full body image is captured, and takes less time if only an area of the body is captured. Patients who are uncomfortable lying down may be able to be sedated and may listen to music or books on tape during the test to relax. It is recommended to urinate before scanning for convenience.
After the SPECT bone scan, patients will be advised to drink plenty of water to help clear the tracer from the body more quickly. The doctor can discuss the results after they have been reviewed and determine if further tests are needed or if a treatment plan can be developed for the patient.
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