Nuclear Medicine

The field of Nuclear Medicine is a rapidly evolving specialty which is based on evaluation of function of living tissue. The Department of Nuclear Medicine at P. D. Hinduja Hospital is dedicated to providing advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions to many diseases, as well as many fundamental insights into the complex workings of the human body. The scans can help detect physiological changes that often occur prior to morphological changes leading to early diagnosis of disease.

Nuclear medicine procedures are used in diagnosing and treating certain illnesses. These procedures use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals. Examples of diseases treated with nuclear medicine procedures are hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, lymphomas, and bone pain from some types of cancer.

• Gamma Imaging / SPECT
• PET
• Radionuclide Therapy

What is SPECT (Gamma Camera)?

• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan is used to analyze the functions of the internal organs. A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures.
• While imaging tests such as X-rays can show what the structures inside your body look like, a SPECT scan produces images that show how your organs work. For instance, a SPECT scan can show how blood flows to your heart or what areas of your brain are more active or less active.

How does a SPET Scan Work?

• A SPECT scan integrates two technologies, i.e computed tomography (CT) and a radioactive material (tracer) to view the body. Doctors can see how blood is pumped to tissues and organs because of the tracer.
• A radioactive substance is given through IV and the tracer dose is very small but the radioactive substance is absorbed more by the most active tissues.
• The SPECT machine camera detects the absorbed radioactive tracers in the body, it takes pictures and they are sent to a computer that creates a 3D image of the body or body part.

Benefits of SPET CT at P.D. Hinduja Hospital

• Patient experience: make the most of their time while lessening their dose
• Provide shorter, more tolerable exams for greater patient comfort, with Evolution technology.
• Streamlined exam setup leaves you with more time to interact with your patient while increasing throughput.
• Improves patient experience and enhances patient satisfaction.

Why am I having a SPECT scan?

• A SPECT Scan is used to diagnose or monitor disorders of brain, heart and bone. Is there any preparation on the day of the scan? What to bring and wear
• Bring all your previous reports especially Chest X-rays, PET Scans, CT & MRI Scan with Xerox of the CT/MRI written reports.
• Please bring your Doctor's note.
• Kindly remove metallic accessories and jewellery from your body.

Arrive on time

• Please ensure your presence on scheduled appointment time.
• If you must cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours before your appointment. Your SPECT Scan
• After registering, you will go to a preparation area where a technologist will insert radioactive substance through an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein in your arm.
• You will be asked to lie down for 20 minutes or more in the room, but you may feel cold sensation when the radioactive substance enters the body and it would be absorbed by the body. Sometimes it takes a few hours for it to be absorbed by the body
• In case of any extra or delayed scans are needed, the doctor/technologist will personally explain to you. After your scan
• Most of the radioactive tracer will be flushed out of your body through urine after few hours of scan. Yet some times one is instructed to drink more fluids, such as juice or water.

Department location, timings and contact details for appointment:
Location: Nuclear Medicine Dept.; 1st Floor IPD building Apt:
Report counter timing: Monday to Friday - 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Saturday - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm