As part of ensuring state-of-the-art healthcare services in Kerala, the Nuclear Medicine Department at the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, has introduced the most advanced SPECT-CT scanner facility. The SPECT-CT scanner is a cutting-edge medical imaging system that combines two imaging techniques: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Computed Tomography (CT). While imaging techniques like ultrasound, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI primarily provide information about the structure of the body, nuclear medicine scans assess the functionality of organs. Devices like SPECT-CT and PET-CT help analyze both the structure and function of organs simultaneously.

The SPECT-CT scanner technology facilitates cancer diagnosis and treatment and can evaluate the function and health of organs like the thyroid, heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs. It is also effective for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. The scanner allows doctors to observe real-time organ functions, perform diagnoses, and provide reports. After a trial run on December 16, the SPECT-CT scanner is now fully operational.

The SPECT-CT operates using a radioactive tracer, which emits gamma rays as it is absorbed by diseased cells. The scanner detects these rays and creates a 3D image. Simultaneously, the CT scan provides detailed structural information about the tissues using X-rays. This dual functionality helps pinpoint diseased organs accurately and delivers faster diagnostic results. The use of minimal radiation significantly reduces the risk of damage to cells from exposure.

In Kerala, the government’s Nuclear Medicine Departments operate at institutions like Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram Medical Colleges, Malabar Cancer Centre in Thalassery, and the Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Nuclear medicine combines various fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, imaging, and medicine. The Thiruvananthapuram Medical College also operates Nuclear Medicine OP and Thyroid Clinic OP services. Nuclear medicine treatment is effective for both cancer and non-cancer conditions. This therapy can precisely deliver radiation to cancerous cells without harming surrounding healthy tissues.

In addition to the ₹7.3 crore SPECT-CT scanner, tenders are underway for the installation of a PET-CT scanner costing ₹15 crore, while ₹4 crore is being spent on establishing a nuclear medicine high-dose therapy ward. Plans are also in progress to launch a postgraduate course in nuclear medicine to further expand treatment options. The introduction of the SPECT-CT scanner at the Medical College ensures that patients receive the highest quality healthcare services.