Which camera is used in SPECT imaging?

Which camera is used in SPECT imaging?

• A. X-ray camera
• B. Optical camera
• C. Gamma camera
• D. Ultrasound probe

Answer: (C)

SPECT imaging relies on detecting gamma rays emitted by a radioactive tracer inside the body. The camera used for this purpose is the gamma camera, which is designed to detect single gamma photons. It uses a scintillation crystal (typically NaI(Tl)) that converts incoming gamma photons into light, with photomultiplier tubes translating that light into electrical signals. A collimator provides directional information, and by rotating around the patient, the system gathers data from multiple angles to reconstruct cross-sectional images of tracer distribution. X-ray cameras detect transmitted X-rays, optical cameras detect visible light, and ultrasound probes use sound waves, so they aren’t suited for capturing the gamma photons produced in SPECT.

SPECT imaging relies on detecting gamma rays emitted by a radioactive tracer inside the body. The camera used for this purpose is the gamma camera, which is designed to detect single gamma photons. It uses a scintillation crystal (typically NaI(Tl)) that converts incoming gamma photons into light, with photomultiplier tubes translating that light into electrical signals. A collimator provides directional information, and by rotating around the patient, the system gathers data from multiple angles to reconstruct cross-sectional images of tracer distribution. X-ray cameras detect transmitted X-rays, optical cameras detect visible light, and ultrasound probes use sound waves, so they aren’t suited for capturing the gamma photons produced in SPECT.