Nuclear Medicine, SPECT, & SPECT/CT
at X-Ray Associates of New Mexico
X-Ray Associates of New Mexico offers Nuclear Medicine imaging at the Stephen G. Babel – El Camino Imaging Center in Albuquerque, NM. In addition to most general Nuclear Medicine procedures, we also offer SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) and SPECT/CT. Read more below, to learn about these specific procedures.
Understanding Nuclear Medicine, SPECT, & SPECT/CT
What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear Medicine is a diagnostic test that utilizes a small amount of radioactive material, known as a tracer, that is usually injected intravenously, given by mouth in a pill form, or administered in other ways. Special cameras track the path of the tracers in the body and give radiologists the ability to assess bodily functions and more accurately diagnose specific disorders and diseases.
What is SPECT Imaging?
SPECT scans are usually targeted to a specific organ such as the bones, thyroid, lungs, heart, internal organs, or breasts. The radioactive tracer emits gamma rays that can be detected by a specialized camera and computer. This extra data provides a functional image of the respective organ and shows how the specific organ is working. Here are 2 examples: a SPECT scan can show how blood flows through the arteries in your heart, or it can show brain activity – detailing spots that are more active or less active during the scan.
Combining SPECT Imaging with CT Imaging
What is SPECT/CT Imaging?
SPECT/CT Scans are combined exams that utilize the detailed, functional benefit of SPECT imaging and combine that with the anatomical imaging provided by a CT exam. By combining the imaging in both exams (SPECT and CT), more functional data can lead to a more precise diagnosis of the disease or disorder in question. This additional data can be useful in various applications, including diagnosing heart disease as well as cancer diagnosis & treatment.
Clinical Indication
- Thyroid function or nodules
- Presence or absence of cancer
- Gastric emptying
- Cardiac function
- Renal function
- Gall bladder blockage
- Sites of bleeding or infection
- Abnormalities of the bones such as fracture, infection, or tumor
- Parkinson’s Disease
Preparation for Exam
Usually, no preparation is needed except for gastric emptying exams where you may be asked to not eat or drink anything.
Results
A specially-trained radiologist will interpret, analyze, and report your exam results to your physician.
Risk
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you must notify our office. As with most radiologic tests, allergies are rare.
Service Location
Nuclear Medicine, SPECT, and SPECT/CT exams are available at our El Camino Imaging Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Nuclear Medicine Services & Exams
Body Scans
- Ceretec WBC Imaging
- Bone Scan/Spect
- Three Phase Bone Scan
- Limited Bone Scan
- FDG PET Tumor Imaging
- F-18 Bone PETs
- Axumin
- NETSPOT
Abdomen
- Gastric Emptying Scan
- Hepatobiliary Imaging with CCK
- Sphincter of Oddi-(SOD) Evaluation
- Renal Blood Flow
- Renal Scan
- Renogram with Lasix
- Enalpril/Captopril/Vasotec Renogram
- Liver/Spleen Scan
- Hemangioma Study
- GI Bleeding Scan
- Meckel’s Scan
- Sestamibi Breast Imaging
- Cystogram
- Lymphoscintigraphy Exams
Head & Brain
- FDG PET Brain Scan
- Ceretec/Neurolite Brain Scan (Brain perfusion study/SPECT)
- Dacrocystography
- Hyperthyroid Therapy
- DaTscan (Dat Scan)
Chest & Thorax
- MUGA-Gated Cardiac Study
- FDG PET Myocardial Viability Studies
- Thyroid uptake & scan
Accreditation
The El Camino Imaging Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico is proud to be fully accredited by the IAC for Nuclear Medicine and proud to be fully accredited by the ACR for Nuclear Medicine.
Our current accreditation with the IAC and the ACR serve to further demonstrate our commitment to quality and accountability.
Dedicated Team of Nuclear Medicine, SPECT, and SPECT/CT Specialists
Our Locations
For over 70 years, X-Ray Associates of New Mexico has been proudly serving the greater Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas. Our kind staff and expert radiologists are dedicated to ensuring both your comfort and safety. To get started, click the button below to find a convenient location near you.
Let Us Help You
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, click the button below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!