Question

What makes PET and SPECT so unique when it comes to nuclear imaging?

• A. \( \text{Do not require dyes} \)
• B. \( \text{Do not require X-rays} \)
• C. \( \text{They show the metabolic functions} \)
• D. \( \text{They give more details about the imaged organ/tissue} \)

Hint:

PET and SPECT are function-focused imaging tools. When the question asks what makes them unique, think “metabolic activity” or “functional imaging”—not just structural detail.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) are nuclear imaging techniques that provide insight into the physiological function and metabolic activity of tissues and organs.

• (C) Metabolic functions: PET commonly uses a glucose analog like FDG to highlight regions of high metabolic activity (e.
  g., tumors), while SPECT tracks blood flow or receptor activity—offering a view of tissue function rather than structure.
  
• (A) Do not require dyes: They use radiotracers, not dyes as in contrast imaging.
  
• (B) Do not require X-rays: They use gamma rays from radiotracer decay, though hybrid systems like PET/CT do involve X-rays for anatomical correlation.
  
• (D) More detail about organs/tissues: They provide functional, not higher-resolution anatomical detail—that's CT/MRI's strength.
  

Hence, the uniqueness of PET and SPECT lies in their ability to show metabolic and functional activity.