Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory 2022–2023: SPECT and SPECT-CT

Key Messages

• SPECT is a nuclear imaging technique that provides 3D information on functional and molecular processes in the body. SPECT has been integrated with CT to combine the imaging strengths of both modalities in SPECT-CT.
• In total, 331 SPECT-CT units in 10 provinces and 210 SPECT units operating in 9 provinces were identified by the Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory (CMII) in its 2022–2023 national survey. There are no SPECT-CT and SPECT units operating in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
• Canada has 8.3 SPECT-CT units per million people and 5.3 SPECT units per million people. The greatest density of units per million people for SPECT-CT is in Newfoundland and Labrador and the greatest density for SPECT are in Alberta and New Brunswick.
• The combined volume of SPECT-CT and SPECT exams conducted in 2022–2023 has decreased by approximately 37.5% since 2015, which is attributed to the gradual decommissioning of SPECT units and replacement of these technologies with other imaging modalities.
• SPECT-CT is primarily used for oncology exams, followed by cardiology exams and musculoskeletal exams. SPECT is primarily used for cardiology exams, followed by oncology and musculoskeletal exams.
• On average, SPECT-CT and SPECT units operate approximately 42 hours per week across jurisdictions in Canada that have capacity.