For Patients · Imaging · CT
CT
Fast, detailed
cross-sections.
CT uses advanced X-ray technology and computer processing to produce detailed cross-sectional images of your body. It excels at rapidly evaluating bones, blood vessels, and internal organs, and is used for conditions ranging from trauma to cancer staging to complex fracture assessment.
Scan portion
Rotating X-ray
Imaging detail
Resume activity
Who it is for
When a CT is ordered.
CT gives fast, detailed cross-sectional images. Your physician may order one to:
Rapid, high-clarity cross-sections of the body.
Looking for a cause when something needs a fast, clear answer.
Providing precise anatomy for planning.
Checking change over time.
Am I a candidate
Is this scan right for me?
CT is fast and widely available, and gives excellent anatomical detail. Your physician decides when its speed and clarity are the right choice for your situation.
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
Your physician needs fast, detailed cross-sectional imaging.
02
A symptom needs a clear anatomical answer.
03
Treatment planning needs precise anatomy.
04
A previous finding needs to be followed over time.
How it works
X-rays, turned into slices.
A CT scanner rotates an X-ray source around you and reconstructs the readings into precise cross-sectional images — one thin slice at a time.
An X-ray source circles your body inside the donut-shaped scanner.
Detectors record exactly how much X-ray passes through each angle.
Software turns those readings into detailed cross-sectional slices.
The slices stack into a precise three-dimensional view of your anatomy.
✓Modern low-dose protocols keep radiation as low as reasonably achievable.
How to prepare
Before your visit.
Most CT scans need little preparation. If your exam uses contrast, a few extra steps apply — your booking team will confirm.
If your exam requires IV contrast, you may be asked to fast for 2 to 4 hours beforehand.
Recent kidney-function tests (eGFR) may be required before administering IV contrast.
Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners if possible.
What to expect
Fast and painless.
The scan is fast and painless. You lie on a table that moves slowly through a large, donut-shaped scanner; the scanning portion typically takes less than a few minutes. If IV contrast is used, you may feel a brief, warm sensation as it circulates — this is normal and resolves within moments.
Step 01
Check-in & positioning on the table
Step 02
IV contrast, only if your exam needs it
Step 03
The scan itself
often under a few minutes
Step 04
Free to resume your day right after
No recovery time is needed for a standard CT — you can resume normal activity immediately.
Results
When you get your results.
Your images are reviewed by our 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 the findings and next steps.
Aftercare
After your scan.
There is no recovery period. An MRI, CT, mammogram, ultrasound or bone-density scan is non-invasive, so you leave as you arrived.
You can drive yourself home and return to normal activity right away.
Eat, work and exercise as usual unless your physician has told you otherwise.
When a contrast agent is given, drink plenty of water to help clear it. Your team will mention this if it applies to you.
Cost
What it costs.
$499
CT scan
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 a CT scan painful?
No. The scan itself is painless and fast. If contrast is used, you may feel a brief warm sensation.
How long does it take?
The scan is quick — often just a few minutes on the table, though the full visit is longer with preparation.
Will I need contrast?
Some CT exams use a contrast agent to highlight certain structures. If yours does, our team will tell you how to prepare.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging can be booked with a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. We confirm what is needed when you book.
Is the radiation dose safe?
CT uses X-rays. We use protocols designed to keep the dose as low as reasonably possible for the information needed.
Will my insurance cover it?
Initio is a private clinic, so the scan is paid directly. Many plans reimburse diagnostic imaging — we provide the documentation to claim.
Keep exploring
Related services.
Why Initio
Everything under one roof.
Your CT is acquired and read under one roof, with results sent directly to your referring physician.
Your physician’s referral is all you need to begin. Our team handles preparation and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
Looking for another service? Back to For Patients.