Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography
SPECT
Description
Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is an imaging test that shows doctors how blood flows and assesses activity in organs like the brain, heart, and bones. It is especially beneficial if you have epilepsy, heart disease, or bone problems. A specific type of SPECT scan, called DaTscan, evaluates dopamine levels in the brain, aiding in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected, and a special camera follows how blood moves through specific parts of your body. If the images reveal anything unusual, like reduced blood flow or changes in structure, it might point to a problem that needs further evaluation. These results give your doctor the information needed to confirm a diagnosis and recommend appropriate next steps, like medications or additional evaluations. Scheduling SPECT scans when needed is a reliable way to monitor your health and address any changes early.
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Test Category
Brain Function, Vascular Function
Procedure Category
Scan
Units
Not Applicable
Test Groups
Imaging Scans Group: This group includes a variety of diagnostic imaging techniques used to visualize internal structures and organs in the body. These techniques may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine scans.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Agenesis of the corpus callosum (Congenital absence of the corpus callosum)
Alzheimer's disease (Neurodegenerative disorder leading to memory loss and cognitive decline)
Atherosclerosis (Narrowing and hardening of arteries)
Bone cancer
Bone infections
Brain tumors
Concussio...
Key Reasons For Testing
Diagnostic Imaging: Provides detailed visualizations of internal organs and tissues for diagnosing and staging medical conditions.
Functional Assessment: Evaluates organ function and blood flow to assist in assessing cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological disorders.
Treatment Planning: Guides treatment strategies by assessing disease extent and response to therapy.
Therapeutic Monitoring: Tracks disease progression and evaluates response to treatment, aiding in therapy adjustments.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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