Non-compression Breast Spectral CT

A non-compression Spectral CT breast scan is a low-dose, contrast-enhanced CT examination that provides detailed 3D images of the breasts without compression. The scan is performed lying face down, allowing the breast tissue to naturally spread for imaging.

No. Our non-compression breast scan does not require the breast tissue to be compressed between plates. You lie face down during the scan, allowing the breasts to naturally spread for imaging. You may feel a brief warm sensation when the intravenous contrast is given.

Unlike a mammogram, a non-compression Spectral CT breast scan does not compress the breasts between plates. It produces detailed 3D images and uses intravenous contrast to assess how breast tissue enhances.

No. Mammography remains the established method for routine breast cancer screening for women 40 – 74+ years of age. Non-compression Spectral CT is an additional breast imaging option that may be appropriate in selected circumstances, including opportunistic breast imaging, implant integrity, suspected implant leak, or for some patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo mammography or breast MRI.

Intravenous contrast helps highlight areas of increased blood flow and enhancement within breast tissue. Spectral CT can also measure how iodine is distributed and provide additional information about tissue composition, helping the radiologist better identify and characterise areas that may require closer assessment.

The scan itself is very quick, with images acquired within minutes. Allow approximately 30 – 45 minutes for the complete appointment, including preparation, positioning, administration of IV contrast and a short period of observation after your scan.

Yes. A referral from your GP or specialist is required so we can ensure the examination is appropriate for you and provide the results to your referring doctor.

Please fast for 2 hours before your appointment. You can continue to drink water and take your usual medications unless advised otherwise. Because IV contrast is used, we will ask about your medical history, kidney function, allergies and any previous reactions to contrast. We will ask you to change into a gown prior to your scan.

Yes. Non-compression Spectral CT is particularly well suited to patients with breast implants because the breasts and implants are not compressed between plates. Our Spectral imaging can also help differentiate silicone from surrounding tissues, with dedicated colour-coded images making silicone easier to identify and assisting in the assessment of implant integrity and silicone leakage.

Your scan will be reviewed by a specialist radiologist, with the report typically available within 2–3 days or sooner. Your report is sent to your referring doctor and released to your MBR Health patient portal at the same time.

A gap fee applies and may be approximately $420 with an eligible Medicare referral. Patients with a referral, but do not Medicare eligibility, are also welcome to have the scan as a private-paying patient. Please contact our team for current fees and Medicare eligibility information.

Breast MRI is one of the most sensitive breast imaging techniques and is well established for high-risk breast screening and detailed breast assessment. However, where MRI is not suitable or cannot be tolerated, Non-Compression Spectral CT may provide an alternative option.

Our Non-compression Spectral CT may be particularly useful in patients with breast implants. Spectral CT can differentiate silicone from surrounding tissues using dedicated spectral imaging, which may assist in identifying implant rupture or silicone leakage. Published studies have shown promising performance for spectral CT compared to MRI in the assessment of silicone breast implant integrity.

MRI does not use ionising radiation, while Spectral CT uses a low-dose X-ray technique and provides additional spectral information about tissue composition and iodine distribution.

Opportunistic breast imaging allows eligible patients having a CT scan of the chest for another medical reason (e.g. cough) to add MBR Health’s dedicated Non-Compression Breast Spectral CT protocol. This provides both assessment of the clinical indication, as well as, opportunistic breast assessment without requiring a separate imaging, or additional radiation.

It is not a replacement for routine mammographic screening, and suitability will depend on your individual circumstances and CT examination.