Spectral CT represents an advanced evolution of CT imaging. While conventional CT primarily shows the anatomy and structure of the body, Spectral CT provides additional information about the composition of tissues and materials within it. This ability to differentiate materials can provide greater diagnostic clarity, reduce the need for additional imaging in appropriate cases, and offer particular advantages in cancer care, vascular disease and complex diagnostic assessment.
MBR Health operates the Philips IQon Spectral CT — the first detector-based Spectral CT system in Australian private practice — bringing advanced diagnostic capability to patients across the Gold Coast and Queensland.
Australia’s First Private Practice Spectral CT at MBR HealthTraditional CT uses X-rays to produce detailed images of bones, organs and soft tissues. However, some tissues and materials can appear similar on conventional CT images. Spectral CT captures X-ray data across multiple energy levels, enabling differentiation between materials such as iodine, calcium, uric acid, silicone and soft tissue. This provides additional diagnostic information from a single scan and can assist with more precise tissue and material characterisation.
Importantly, the spectral data acquired at the time of the scan can be reprocessed to generate additional image reconstructions when clinically indicated. Where the original data has been retained, this may allow new clinical questions to be explored without requiring the patient to undergo another CT examination.
CT is a fast and comprehensive imaging modality used across a broad range of clinical conditions, including:
At MBR Health, Spectral CT can be used for the same broad range of clinical indications as conventional CT, while providing additional spectral information from the same examination. Our Philips IQon Spectral CT captures conventional and spectral data simultaneously, allowing advanced reconstructions such as quantitative tissue characterisation, iodine mapping, virtual non-contrast imaging and material decomposition to be generated when clinically relevant — without requiring additional radiation or a separate scan.
Spectral CT can be particularly valuable when conventional imaging is inconclusive, when further tissue or lesion characterisation is required, or when optimising radiation and contrast exposure is clinically important.
At MBR Health, Spectral CT can provide additional diagnostic capabilities across a wide range of clinical applications, including:
MBR Health is Australia’s first private practice Spectral CT facility, with the Philips IQon Spectral CT in operation since 2021. Under the expertise of Specialist Radiologist Dr Zane Sherif, our tailored injection protocols enable multi-phase imaging within a single acquisition, providing comprehensive diagnostic information while supporting dose-efficient imaging.
By combining conventional CT with advanced spectral data, Spectral CT can provide greater diagnostic clarity and help reduce the need for repeat imaging or additional studies in appropriate cases. This can help streamline the diagnostic pathway and support timely treatment planning.
Many Spectral CT examinations at MBR Health are bulk billed through Medicare, meaning eligible patients can access this advanced imaging technology with no additional out-of-pocket cost.
The information on this page is intended as general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing sudden or severe symptoms including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, neurological changes, or any symptoms that concern you, please seek urgent medical attention or call 000 immediately. Do not delay emergency care to arrange imaging.
Spectral CT at MBR Health is performed following referral from a GP or specialist and is intended to complement, not replace, clinical assessment by a qualified medical practitioner. Imaging reports describe findings and observations only; diagnoses, treatment decisions, and clinical management are made by your treating practitioner in the context of your full clinical history and individual circumstances. CT imaging involves ionising radiation. Please inform our team if you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant prior to your appointment.
Tumours, neurodegenerative conditions, stroke, aneurysms, degenerative disc disease, bulging discs.
Structural and functional cardiac assessment including myocardial tissue characterisation.
Unlike conventional CT, Spectral CT at MBR Health provides functional insights into pulmonary blood flow and vascularity through iodine perfusion mapping, and objective emphysema quantification — all from a single acquisition with up to 50% less IV contrast dose.
Advanced breast imaging and implant integrity assessment.
Oesophageal, stomach, liver, kidney, bowel, rectal and pancreatic conditions; prostate cancer.
Spectral CT at MBR Health delivers comprehensive urinary tract assessment through a single anatomically contiguous acquisition, providing up to 75% less ionising radiation than conventional four-phase protocols and includes additional diagnostic information such as material decomposition.
Spectral CT at MBR Health enables comprehensive vascular assessment including non-contrast, arterial, venous and delayed phase evaluation in a single acquisition, significantly reducing the delivered radiation dose. This provides valuable information for complex vascular conditions.
Spectral CT provides enhanced evaluation of bone structure and anatomy, helping to assess fractures, bone lesions and tumours, degenerative bone and joint conditions, as well as infection and inflammatory disease.
Spectral CT can be particularly valuable in cancer staging, providing additional information beyond conventional CT. By generating monoenergetic images, iodine maps and virtual non-contrast images, Spectral CT can improve tissue differentiation and help enhance the visibility and characterisation of tumours and other abnormalities.
Spectral CT can detect significantly more occult cancers than conventional CT, with diagnostic certainty for benign lesions increasing dramatically and the need for additional investigations reduced by approximately 70% (Anderson et al 2020). Spectral CT may be valuable in the investigation of unexplained symptoms in a single examination.
Dr Zane Sherif, SPECIALIST Radiologist Dr Zane Sherif leads MBR Health’s Spectral CT program, bringing extensive expertise in advanced CT protocol development and clinical application. With broad experience across diagnostic radiology and interventional procedures, Dr Sherif has played a leading role in advancing the clinical application of Spectral CT in Australia, developing specialised imaging protocols designed to optimise radiation and contrast exposure while delivering comprehensive diagnostic information.
Supported by our experienced Senior Radiographers and Clinical Team.
If your scan includes intravenous contrast, you will be asked to fast for a minimum of two hours prior to your appointment. Some studies require a longer fasting period and our team will advise you of your specific requirements when booking. Specialised studies such as CT coronary angiography (CTCA) require additional preparation, which our team will explain when you book.
On arrival you may be asked to complete a brief health questionnaire. If intravenous contrast is required, a small cannula will be placed by our clinical team. You will then lie on the scanner table while the scan is performed. Spectral CT scans are relatively quick, typically taking between 5 and 10 minutes. Some studies require brief breath holds during the scan and our radiographers will guide you through these clearly as they occur. If contrast is administered, you may feel a brief sensation of warmth or a metallic taste, which is normal and passes quickly.
If no contrast was used, you may leave immediately after your scan. If contrast was administered, we will ask you to remain for approximately 15 minutes to ensure you feel well before leaving. We recommend drinking plenty of water after your scan to help flush the contrast from your system.
Our specialist radiologists will review your study and prepare a detailed report for your referring doctor. In most cases your results will be available within 48 to 72 hours and will be sent directly to your referring doctor. Your report and images will also be accessible through the MBR Health patient portal within the same timeframe. Please let our team know if you require your results sooner and we will do our best to accommodate your request.