Nuclear medicine uses special substances called radiotracers to help doctors see what’s happening inside your body. SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans are both nuclear medicine techniques, but they work in slightly different ways.
The goal of this article is to compare and contrast SPECT and PET scans. We’ll look at the basic principles behind each type of scan, what they’re typically used for, and the pros and cons of each. We’ll also explore the best uses for each.
Choosing the right imaging technique is important to get the most accurate and helpful information for your particular situation. The decision often depends on what your doctor is trying to find out and what kind of detail they need to see.