For Patients · Imaging · SPECT/CT
SPECT/CT
Function and form,
fused together.
SPECT/CT is a hybrid imaging modality that combines a rotating camera — which detects a previously injected radioactive tracer — with a CT scanner that produces anatomical cross-sections. Fused together, these images show how your body is functioning and precisely where any abnormalities are located.
Hybrid imaging
Gamma camera
Scan time
Prep varies
Who it is for
When a SPECT/CT is ordered.
SPECT/CT combines functional and anatomical imaging. Your physician may order one to:
Showing function, not just structure.
Pinpointing where activity is, on top of a CT map.
Common uses include bone and cardiac protocols.
Adding functional detail when anatomy alone is not enough.
Am I a candidate
Is this scan right for me?
SPECT/CT pairs a functional nuclear-medicine image with a CT, so it shows both how tissue is behaving and exactly where. Your physician decides when this combination is the right test.
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 functional as well as anatomical information.
02
A finding needs to be located precisely.
03
A bone, cardiac or specialised protocol has been requested.
04
A previous scan needs functional clarification.
How it works
Two cameras, one answer.
A rotating gamma camera follows an injected tracer, while a CT scan maps your anatomy. Fused, they show both what is happening and exactly where.
A radioactive tracer is administered through an IV line.
A gamma camera rotates around you, detecting the tracer from many angles.
A brief CT captures precise anatomical cross-sections.
The two are combined to show function pinned to exact location.
✓Preparation and timing depend on the specific scan your physician ordered.
Why it’s requested
A wide range of clinical questions.
SPECT/CT is used across many specialties. Common reasons your physician may have ordered it include:
To identify fractures, bone disease, or skeletal involvement of other conditions.
To evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle.
Evaluation of kidney, gallbladder, or liver function.
Locating overactive parathyroid glands.
Assessment of complex neurological or psychiatric conditions.
How to prepare
Tailored to your scan.
Preparation depends on the type of SPECT/CT your physician has ordered — our booking team confirms your specifics.
Required for some scans, not for others, depending on the study ordered.
Generally encouraged, both before and after the injection.
Your specific preparation will be provided when you book.
What to expect
A calm, patient process.
A technologist will administer the tracer through an IV. Depending on the type of scan, there may be a significant waiting period while the tracer distributes — for a bone scan, this wait is typically 2 to 3 hours. During the scan itself, you lie comfortably while the SPECT camera rotates slowly around you; this is followed by a brief CT scan. The imaging process is painless and usually takes 20 to 45 minutes.
Step 01
Tracer administered via IV
Step 02
Waiting period as the tracer distributes
up to 2–3 hours for some scans
Step 03
The SPECT camera rotates slowly
about 20–45 minutes
Step 04
A brief CT completes the exam
Total time depends on the study — your booking team will tell you what to expect for your specific scan.
Results
When you get your results.
Your images are reviewed by our specialist.
A written report is prepared and sent to your referring physician.
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.
Pricing on request
SPECT/CT
We publish our prices up front. This service is quoted individually because the cost depends on the protocol your physician orders. Contact us and we will confirm the full cost, and any funding options, before you book.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is a SPECT/CT painful?
No. Aside from a small injection of the tracer, the scan is painless.
How is it different from PET/CT?
Both combine function with anatomy, but they use different types of tracer and detector. Your physician chooses the one suited to the question being asked.
How long does it take?
It depends on the protocol. Some SPECT/CT studies involve a wait between the injection and the scan; our team will tell you what to expect.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner is required. Our team confirms the details when you book.
Is the radiation dose safe?
The tracer uses a small, carefully calculated amount of radioactivity, comparable to other nuclear-medicine scans.
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 SPECT/CT is acquired and read under one roof, with the tracer produced in our in-house radiopharmacy and reported directly to your 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.