For Patients · PET/CT · Amyloid
Amyloid PET/CT
Clarity for the
questions of memory.
Amyloid PET/CT is used to assist in the evaluation of cognitive impairment and suspected Alzheimer’s disease. The tracer binds to amyloid plaques in the brain, providing information that — combined with your clinical history — helps your neurologist or physician reach a more confident diagnosis.
[ IMAGE ]A brain PET/CT scanner, or a calm clinical detail
Fasting needed
Tracer uptake
Scan time
Total visit
Who it is for
When an amyloid scan is ordered.
An amyloid PET/CT helps evaluate the cause of memory or thinking changes. Your physician may order it to:
Looking for amyloid plaques when memory or thinking problems are being assessed.
Adding information when the cause of symptoms is uncertain.
A negative scan makes Alzheimer’s-type amyloid an unlikely cause of the symptoms.
Helping your physician and family plan with clearer information.
Am I a candidate
Is this scan right for me?
An amyloid scan shows whether amyloid plaques — one of the changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease — are present in the brain. It is one piece of a broader assessment your physician leads.
Most scans need a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. Speak to them about a referral — and if it helps, bring the form with you.
01
You are being assessed for memory or thinking changes.
02
The cause of your symptoms is uncertain and amyloid status would help.
03
Your physician wants to rule amyloid in or out before planning.
04
You and your care team have discussed what a result would mean for you.
How it works
Reading the brain’s plaques.
The tracer is designed to attach to amyloid plaques — the protein deposits associated with Alzheimer’s disease — so they can be seen on the scan.
A small dose of the amyloid tracer is given through an IV line.
Over about 90 minutes, the tracer distributes and binds to amyloid plaques in the brain.
The PET camera images the head, mapping where the tracer has bound.
Your neurologist interprets the result together with your clinical history.
✓Bring a family member or caregiver — the day is easier with support.
How to prepare
Before your appointment.
Amyloid imaging needs almost no preparation. The most helpful thing you can do is bring someone with you.
No fasting is required. Eat and drink normally.
Continue all regular medications as prescribed.
We encourage you to bring a family member or caregiver, especially if cognitive or mobility support would make the day easier.
[ IMAGE ]A patient resting comfortably with a caregiver nearby
What to expect
A quiet, comfortable visit.
After the IV injection, you will rest in a quiet, comfortable room for approximately 90 minutes while the tracer distributes and binds within the brain. The scan itself focuses on the head and typically takes about 20 minutes.
Step 01
Check-in & IV line placement
Step 02
Amyloid tracer administered via IV
Step 03
Quiet rest while the tracer binds
about 90 minutes
Step 04
A short scan of the head
about 20 minutes
Plan for two and a half to three hours total, from arrival to departure.
Results
When you get your results.
Your images are reviewed by our nuclear medicine specialist.
A signed report is delivered securely to your referring physician; for urgent cases we can share verbal findings the same day.
Your physician talks you through what the scan found and the next step.
Aftercare
After your scan.
This is a diagnostic scan, not a treatment, so there is very little to do afterwards. The small amount of tracer clears from your body naturally within hours.
Drink plenty of water for the rest of the day to help clear the tracer through your urine.
You can eat, drive, and return to your usual activities right away.
As a courtesy, keep a little extra distance from pregnant people and infants for the rest of the day. Your team will confirm if any specific precaution applies to you.
Cost
What it costs.
$1,999
Neuraceq amyloid brain PET/CT
Prices are published up front, in Canadian dollars, with no hidden fees. A 50% deposit is taken at the time of booking and the balance is due on the day. Credit and debit are accepted, and instant financing is available through PayBright.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is an amyloid PET/CT painful?
No. Aside from a small IV injection, the scan is painless. You rest quietly, then lie still for the images.
What does a positive or negative result mean?
A positive scan shows amyloid plaques are present; a negative scan makes amyloid-related Alzheimer’s an unlikely cause of symptoms. Your physician interprets the result alongside the rest of your assessment.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner is required. You can download the form above.
How long does the visit take?
Plan for around 90 minutes to two hours, including the uptake period. The scan itself is short.
Is the radiation dose safe?
The tracer uses a small, carefully calculated amount of radioactivity, comparable to other nuclear-medicine scans.
Should I bring someone with me?
It is a good idea to bring a family member or friend, both for support and to help with the details afterwards.
Explore by tracer
Other PET/CT tracers.
Why Initio
Everything under one roof.
Your amyloid scan is acquired and read under one roof, with the tracer produced in our in-house radiopharmacy and reported by specialists who coordinate directly with your physician — so the result reaches your care team quickly and clearly.
Your physician’s referral is all you need to begin. Our booking team handles preparation and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
Looking at other PET/CT options? Back to PET/CT overview.