SPECT-CT
Istanbul
SPECT-CT in Istanbul is available at 2 hospitals in the Voumed network.
SPECT-CT is a nuclear medicine imaging method that merges single photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography in one device, capturing both how an organ functions and its anatomical structure in a single session. A low-dose radiopharmaceutical is injected and gathers in the target tissue, where a rotating gamma camera builds three-dimensional functional images while the CT scan defines the exact location within the body. By showing not just the shape of a structure but how active it is, SPECT-CT helps doctors find disease, pinpoint exactly where it sits, and plan treatment with greater confidence.
On this page
At a glance
- Type
- hybrid functional and anatomical nuclear-medicine scan
- Used for
- bone, heart, thyroid, kidney and lymph-node imaging, and tumour localisation
- Key benefit
- pairs organ function with precise anatomical location in one study
- Tracer
- a low dose of a radiopharmaceutical is given before the scan
- Where it is used
- accredited nuclear-medicine and imaging centres abroad
What it is
SPECT-CT combines two complementary scanners in one machine. The SPECT part uses a gamma camera to detect the radiation given off by a tracer that collects in active tissue, producing a functional, three-dimensional map of how an organ is working. The CT part adds detailed cross-sectional anatomy. On their own, a functional image can show an active spot but not exactly where it is, while a CT shows structure but not activity. Fused together, they place a functional finding precisely onto the body's anatomy, which makes results clearer and more reliable.
How it works
A small dose of a radiopharmaceutical is injected into a vein, and after a waiting period it concentrates in the organ or tissue being studied, such as bone, heart muscle or the thyroid. The patient then lies still on a table while the gamma camera rotates slowly around the body to capture the SPECT signal from many angles, and the CT images are taken in the same session. A computer reconstructs and overlays the two data sets into combined three-dimensional pictures. The scan is painless; the patient simply needs to remain comfortable and still while the images are acquired.
What it shows and who it helps
SPECT-CT is used across several fields. In oncology it helps locate tumours, map lymph nodes before surgery, and detect spread of cancer to the bones. In cardiology it assesses blood flow to the heart muscle, and in other areas it evaluates the thyroid, kidney function, certain bone and joint problems, and possible sites of infection. By combining where activity is happening with exactly which structure is involved, it is especially useful when an ordinary scan is unclear and the medical team needs to confirm a finding and its precise location before deciding on treatment.
Benefits and what to expect
The key advantage of SPECT-CT is that one study answers two questions at once, function and anatomy, often avoiding the need for separate scans and reducing uncertainty about a finding. The tracer is given in a low dose and clears from the body over the following hours, mostly in the urine. Preparation is usually simple, though some scans ask you to avoid certain foods, drinks or medicines beforehand, and the team will explain any steps. There is no recovery time afterwards, and most people return to normal activities the same day. A specialist reviews the images and prepares a report for the treating doctor.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.
Is SPECT-CT safe, and does it use radiation?
SPECT-CT uses a small amount of radiation, from both the tracer and the CT scan, kept as low as possible for a safe and useful result. The tracer is given in a low dose and leaves the body over the following hours, helped by drinking fluids. The team only recommends the scan when the diagnostic benefit clearly outweighs the small exposure.
Do I need to prepare or fast beforehand?
It depends on the type of scan. Many SPECT-CT studies need little or no preparation, while others ask you to avoid certain foods, drinks or medicines for a period before the appointment, for example a heart scan that involves caffeine restriction. The team gives you clear, specific instructions in advance.
Is the injection or the scan painful?
No. The only discomfort is the small needle prick when the tracer is injected, like a routine blood test. The scan itself is painless; you lie still while the camera rotates around you, and nothing touches or enters the body during imaging.
How long does the appointment take?
It varies with the type of study. After the injection there is often a waiting period to let the tracer settle into the target tissue, which can range from a short wait to a few hours, and the imaging itself usually takes a comfortable session of around half an hour to an hour.
When will I get my results?
A nuclear-medicine specialist reviews the combined images and prepares a report for your doctor, usually within a few days. Your treating doctor then explains what the findings mean and how they fit into your overall care.
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