Why Choose Spectral CT Over a Regular CT?

Next-generation CT

CT scans have long been one of medicine’s most powerful imaging tools. But the newest generation, called spectral CT, is taking things a step further. Unlike a conventional CT, which shows what the body looks like, spectral CT is able to reveal both anatomy and what tissue is made of. This ability to differentiate tissue composition makes it the most advanced CT technology available today — especially for cancer care.

How Spectral CT Works

Traditional computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of bones, organs, and soft tissues. But sometimes different materials look the same shade of “grey” — scar tissue vs. tumour, iodine contrast vs. calcium, or healthy tissue vs. disease.

Spectral CT solves this problem by capturing X-ray information at multiple energy levels. Think of it as shining different colours of light on the same object, each tissue has its own ‘signature,’ and Spectral CT can separate them. Some systems, like our advanced Spectral CT utilises the next generation of Spectral technology known as dual-detector CT. Rather than using two energy sources, dual-detector CT uses one energy source, with two layers of detectors that capture high- and low-energy X-rays at the same time, without extra radiation.

Why Spectral CT has Revolutionised Cancer Imaging

For oncology, this breakthrough means:

Superior to conventional CT in identifying “hidden” (occult) cancers. In patients with red-flag symptoms, a 2020 paper demonstrated that Spectral CT was more sensitive to detection of cancer compared to conventional imaging. Radiologist utilising Spectral data were also more confident, and reduced the need for further imaging for confirmation of diagnosis.
Clearer tumour characterisation: Spectral CT helps distinguish tumours from surrounding scar tissue or inflammation, reducing both false positives and false negatives.
Better staging and monitoring: It highlights how tumours take up contrast, giving insight into tumour activity and treatment response. This is particularly important for immunotherapies, which are known to cause and inflammatory response that can appear like progression, a phenomenon known as “pseudo-progression”. Often patients must return four weeks later for confirmation of progression, and potentially delaying change in treatment.
Advanced biomarker potential: Early studies suggest that Spectral CT may even help predict tumour receptor expression — key markers that guide targeted therapies. This means that tumour receptor status may, in the future, be monitored without invasive biopsy throughout the course of treatment. Early identification of reception status changes, may offer opportunity to switch therapeutics early, staying one step a head.

In short, spectral CT offers not only sharper and higher contrast images, but also vastly more tissue data for smarter images that can directly inform cancer treatment.

Kidney cancer, also known as Renal Cell Cancer (RCC) is clearly identified on Spectral CT images and presents as a green lesion at the bottom of the kidney on the right side of the image.

Other Breakthrough Applications of Spectral CT

Beyond oncology, spectral CT opens new doors across many areas of medicine:

Breast implant integrity: Silicone has a unique signature on Spectral CT. It can detect subtle leaks or ruptures without the need for additional imaging.
Opportunistic breast cancer screening: When paired with our novel 3D non-compression breast imaging, spectral CT chest scans can opportunistically screen for breast cancer — without added compression or discomfort.
Lung and heart health: It improves detection of pulmonary embolism (PE) and other lung conditions by mapping blood flow and perfusion in real time.
Gout diagnosis: Spectral CT can identify uric acid crystal deposits, confirming gout without invasive testing.
Differentiating between kidney stone types: Some types of kidney stones (uric acid type) can be treated at home under medical supervision. Knowing the type may save from necessary interventions.
Multi-phase imaging with lower radiation burden: The combination of virtual non-contrast imaging, with our single-anatomically contagious multi-phase injection protocol means that we are able to capture all phases (arterial, venous, delayed etc) in a single scan. For the patient, this means up to 75% less radiation compared to traditional multi-phase CT scan.

What Spectral CT Means for Patients

The patient advantage is clear:

Fewer repeat scans. One spectral CT can provide both “with contrast” and “without contrast” images, reducing the total radiation dose delivered for studies which require contrast.
More precise answers, the first time. Spectral CT can tell doctors where a problem is, but with the right Spectral maps, also what it is made of.
Faster time to treatment. The reduced need for additional scans to findings, means patients are able to get a diagnosis faster to initiate treatment quicker.
New answers from old imaging: Ability to “reconstruct” images years later to answer new clinical questions, again, reducing the need for additional imaging.

The Future of Medical Imaging is Here

Spectral CT for Implant Integrity. With 3D reconstruction using software developed by Pixar.

Spectral CT represents a leap forward in medical imaging. For cancer patients, it offers a new level of precision. For others, it provides faster answers and fewer invasive tests. And with ongoing research, its role will only continue to expand — helping doctors not only see disease, but truly understand it.

Are Spectral CT Scans Bulk-billed?

MBR Health is proud to be able to bulk-bill most diagnostic Spectral CT scans with a valid referral. This means, if you have a medicare card and an eligible referral from your GP or Specialist, there is no out-of-pocket cost.

Your Referral, Your Choice.

Did you know you can take your referral to any imaging clinic. Patients are always entitled to choose where they have their scans performed. By choosing MBR Health, you benefit from the most advanced CT imaging available Australia-wide.

If you have a referral, please visit our Patient Information page for details on next steps to book your Spectral CT scan at MBR Health in the Gold Coast.