Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Market

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) industry is valued at USD 2.45 billion in 2035. As per Fact.MR’s analysis, the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) industry will grow at a CAGR of 6.8% and reach USD 4.74 billion by 2035.

In 2024, the Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) industry progressed steadily, driven by increasing use of hybrid imaging technologies and the widening application of nuclear diagnostics in various medical specialties.

Coupling SPECT with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) improved the precision of diagnostic evaluations, especially in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Clinical focus on early and accurate disease identification helped drive increased procedural volumes, particularly in developed healthcare systems, where infrastructure and reimbursement systems continue to favor nuclear medicine uses.

The growth trend is likely to continue through 2025 on the back of technological advances like AI-based image reconstruction, advanced radiotracers, and point-of-care imaging units. Non-invasive diagnostic imaging demand is gaining momentum as healthcare professionals place a high value on functional imaging for overall clinical understanding.

Concurrently, increasing disease prevalence-particularly for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders-is influencing healthcare professionals to adopt SPECT in everyday diagnostic procedures.

Metric	Value
Industry Value (2025E)	USD 2.45 billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 4.74 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	6.8%

Market Analysis

The Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) sector is in a robust growth pattern, fueled by increasing demand for precise, non-invasive diagnostic imaging in cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Advances in hybrid imaging and AI-driven analysis are fueling adoption in both developed and emerging healthcare systems. Diagnostic facilities, hospitals, and radiopharmaceutical manufacturers will gain the most, while providers with no nuclear imaging infrastructure risk lagging.

Top 3 Strategic Imperatives for Stakeholders

Accelerate Investment in AI-Integrated Imaging Platforms

Executives need to make investments in AI-based SPECT systems to improve image accuracy, decrease scan times, and enable real-time diagnostics, which will greatly enhance clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.

Align Product Development with Emerging Diagnostic Needs

Stakeholders need to align their product pipelines with the increasing clinical need for multimodal imaging, particularly in cardiology and neurology, by combining SPECT-CT technologies and enabling next-generation radiotracers.

Enhance Global Distribution and Radiopharmaceutical Partnerships

In order to achieve continued growth and industry penetration, companies need to prioritize strategic partnerships with radiopharmaceutical suppliers and regional healthcare distributors, as well as pursue M&A opportunities to increase their presence in underpenetrated diagnostic imaging sectors.

Top 3 Risks Stakeholders Should Monitor

Risk Description	Probability - Impact
Regulatory lag in radiopharmaceutical approvals and imaging device clearances - Lengthy approval processes can delay product launches and decrease sector responsiveness.	Medium - High
Supply chain interruptions to isotope supply and device parts - Disruptions in isotope production or importation prohibitions can seriously affect diagnostic service continuity.	High - High
Sluggish uptake in middle- and low-income countries as a result of infrastructure disparities - Inadequate nuclear medicine infrastructure and limitations on funding can stifle greater penetration into the sector.	High - Medium

1-Year Executive Watch-List

Priority	Immediate Action
Accelerate AI Integration Across Imaging Workflows	Conduct a thorough feasibility study to assess the integration of AI-powered analytics and automated reconstruction software into current SPECT systems for improved diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency.
Enhance Product-Sector Fit for Hybrid SPECT-CT Solutions	Build an organized OEM and clinical stakeholder input loop that targets hybrid system demand, personalization preferences, and unmet clinical needs within high-growth therapeutic categories.
Expand Global Aftermarket and Service Capabilities	Implement a reward-based program for local channel partners, with focused assistance in new sectors to enhance service reach, availability of spare parts, and responsiveness in maintenance.

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead, companies need to operationalize cutting-edge imaging intelligence, deepen strategic partnerships, and expedite access strategies in underserved sectors.

In order to stay competitive in the changing SPECT environment, firms need to focus on integrating AI-based diagnostic tools into their imaging systems to facilitate quicker and more accurate clinical decisions. Concurrently, they need to actively develop radiopharmaceutical alliances and strengthen supply chain resilience to counteract regulatory and sourcing threats.

This insight redefines the roadmap by prioritizing precision diagnostics, targeted geographic growth, and scalable service infrastructure-key levers for differentiation as healthcare providers move toward outcome-based imaging investments.

Segment-Wise Analysis

By Radioisotope

Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) will continue to be the most profitable radioisotope segment between 2025 and 2035, set to grow at a CAGR of 7.2%, higher than the 6.8% global SPECT CAGR.

This dominance is driven by Tc-99m's widespread clinical use, especially in cardiology, oncology, and neurology, comprising almost 80% of all diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures globally [Source: WHO]. Its desirable physical properties-e.g., short half-life (6 hours), best gamma emission for imaging, and low patient radiation dose-make it the gold standard for SPECT imaging.

In addition, greater investments in molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) production (Tc-99m's parent isotope), particularly through non-reactor-based production techniques, are enhancing global supply reliability.

By Product

Hybrid SPECT systems are estimated to be the highest-paying product segment during 2025 to 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.6%.

This expansion is driven by the rising need for integrated diagnostic solutions that merge functional and anatomical imaging. Hybrid SPECT-CT systems allow clinicians to achieve more accurate localization of lesions, enhancing diagnostic confidence in challenging cases like oncology staging, neurodegenerative disease mapping, and cardiac perfusion assessment. This has driven their widespread adoption among tertiary care hospitals and academic research institutions.

With AI and image-fusion algorithms still in development, the practical applications of hybrid modality are poised to increase. Additionally, further migration toward evidence-based care and personalized medicine is favoring multimodal systems offering more diagnostic yield per scan.

By Application

Cardiology will be the fastest-growing application segment for SPECT systems between 2025 and 2035 at a CAGR of 7.4%.

SPECT imaging is commonly utilized for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) to facilitate the early detection of ischemia, measurement of infarct size, and quantification of left ventricular function-all essential to inform therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular therapy.

The growing need for cost-effective, non-invasive imaging devices in ambulatory and outpatient cardiac environments is further driving the use of SPECT in cardiology. The availability of new SPECT cameras with improved acquisition times, resolution, and AI-aided quantitative analysis has further solidified their position in stress testing and risk stratification.

By End-User

Hospitals are expected to be the most profitable end-user segment for SPECT systems in the period between 2025 and 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.1%.

This segment is advantaged by a mix of high patient volume, higher capital capability, and the capacity to adopt advanced multimodal imaging infrastructure. Hospitals, especially tertiary and quaternary care facilities, are increasingly investing in hybrid SPECT-CT platforms to facilitate complex diagnostic workflows in cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Additionally, their status as referral centers for specialized care guarantees steady demand for high-throughput nuclear imaging technologies.

The move towards value-based healthcare and precision diagnostics is redoubling hospitals' strategic emphasis on in-house imaging capacity, minimizing reliance on outside diagnostic centers.

Country-Wise Analysis

United States

Strong funding for clinical imaging innovation and a mature diagnostic infrastructure makes the USA a leader in SPECT development. The demand for cardiac and neurological diagnostics is driving hybrid SPECT/CT system adoption in tertiary hospitals at an accelerated rate.

Regulatory incentives through CMS, along with the FDA's fast-track review mechanisms for nuclear diagnostics, are promoting radiopharmaceutical pipeline growth. Collaborations between medical academic centers and radiotracer producers are enhancing access to sophisticated tracers such as I-123 and Tc-99m.

Growing openings of outpatient diagnostic facilities, particularly in suburban and semi-urban regions, are propelling procedural volumes. Fact.MR forecasts that the CAGR of the United States will be 6.6% from 2025 to 2035.

India

India's SPECT sector is on a revolutionary path, aided by growing healthcare infrastructure under public-private partnerships. Diagnostic imaging availability in tier-2 and tier-3 cities is increasing, facilitated by the government's Ayushman Bharat health program. Domestic manufacturing of radiopharmaceuticals, especially Tc-99m generators, is decreasing reliance on imports, thus facilitating affordable scanning services.

Yet process-level reimbursements continue to be patchy, making it difficult to achieve uptake in low-income areas. Increasing oncology and neurology caseloads are driving hybrid system adoption in urban diagnostic chains. Public hospitals are increasingly incorporating dual-head gamma cameras for brain and bone scans. Fact.MR opines that the CAGR of India will be 7.4% from 2025 to 2035.

China

China is ramping up its SPECT industry with centralized investments in nuclear medicine and assertive digital health integration. The National Health Commission's diagnostic reform plan has accelerated multimodal imaging, such as SPECT/CT, in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Locally made manufacturers are penetrating international export sectors with competitively priced dual-head systems, driving innovation.

Rapid urbanization and increasing cancer incidence are fueling procedural volumes. The government policies on radiopharmaceutical production are also drawing joint ventures with Western pharma companies. Fact.MR is of the opinion that the CAGR of China will be 7.2% from 2025 to 2035.

United Kingdom

The UK is updating its diagnostic imaging infrastructure through the NHS's £2.3 billion diagnostic modernisation plan, prioritising SPECT systems for cardiology and neuro use. Investing in AI-facilitated interpretation tools and radiation dose reduction software is redefining how clinicians go about SPECT diagnosis.

University-associated imaging centers are conducting multicenter studies on new radiotracers such as Ga-67 and Ra-223, increasing clinical utility. However, long replacement cycles for equipment and NHS backlogs restrict broad deployment. Private imaging clinics are filling these gaps by providing faster SPECT access. Fact.MR projects that the CAGR of the United Kingdom will be 6.4% from 2025 to 2035.

Germany

Germany's heavily regulated nuclear medicine environment is creating robust demand for sophisticated SPECT solutions, especially in oncology. Hospital radiopharmacies are more frequently partnering with European vendors for tracer tailoring and accuracy imaging protocols. The nation's insurance-based diagnostic framework provides high reimbursement levels for SPECT procedures, particularly in cardiology.

Regional university hospitals are also deploying automated lesion detection AI software for increased workflow efficiency. Safety norm compliance with Euratom regulations is driving system upgrades toward lower-radiation, hybrid-capable machines. Fact.MR forecasts that the CAGR of Germany will be 6.7% from 2025 to 2035.

South Korea

South Korea is experiencing rapid convergence of SPECT imaging and smart hospital infrastructure. Supported by the Ministry of Health's digital innovation program, top hospitals are implementing cloud-based SPECT data analytics for real-time decision support. There is a robust radiopharmaceutical export industry with Busan and Daejeon at its center that ensures steady tracer availability.

Oncologists are increasingly applying Ra-223 for bone metastasis imaging, while neurologists opt for I-123 for the diagnosis of early Parkinson's. Local producers are developing compact and portable SPECT systems aimed at small-to-mid-sized diagnostic clinics. Fact.MR opines that the CAGR of South Korea will be 7.0% from 2025 to 2035.

Japan

Japan's sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and aging population are primary drivers of high SPECT utilization in both inpatient and outpatient environments. Cardiovascular imaging is a leading application, fueled by widespread heart disease and strong insurance coverage. Academic-industry partnerships are optimizing tracer purity and system sensitivity, while hybrid SPECT/CT systems are preferred for oncology procedures.

Integration with remote imaging and robotics technologies is speeding up in rural prefectures. Machine learning is also being utilized in hospitals to automate diagnostic prioritization and image segmentation. Fact.MR forecasts that the CAGR of Japan will be 6.5% from 2025 to 2035.

France

France's movement towards decentralized nuclear medicine availability is driving SPECT uptake in regional diagnostic facilities. Robust public financing under Assurance Maladie guarantees high procedure coverage, particularly in cardiovascular and oncologic niches. Research and development into radiopharmaceuticals are actively pursued alongside CNRS labs, increasing the clinical reach of specialty isotopes such as Ga-67.

Regional hospitals increasingly favor SPECT/CT compared to stand-alone units based on better anatomical accuracy. France is also helping standardize pan-European AI imaging across the continent, improving interoperability for diagnostics. Fact.MR projects that the CAGR of France will be 6.3% from 2025 to 2035.

Italy

Italy is seeing a movement of nuclear imaging away from hospital-based central use to community-based diagnostic centers, especially in the north. National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) incentives have increased hybrid diagnostic system funding, including SPECT/CT platforms. Chains of private diagnostic centers in Milan, Rome, and Naples are adding cloud-based radiology suites, expanding scan capacity.

Public investment is also going into operator education and AI-facilitated workflow software. Delays in radiotracer approvals by regulatory bodies are still an issue, but are balanced by EU-level fast-track provisions. Fact.MR is of the opinion that the CAGR of Italy will be 6.6% from 2025 to 2035.

Australia-New Zealand

The trans-Tasman area is using its robust radiopharmaceutical supply chains and public-private collaborations to drive SPECT penetration. Australia's Medicare and New Zealand's Pharmac initiatives are reimbursing hybrid imaging, particularly for oncology and brain trauma investigations. Cooperative R&D via ANSTO is accelerating isotope technology, while hospitals in the region are installing compact SPECT units for country coverage.

Mobile imaging laboratories with SPECT scanners are becoming more popular in Queensland and South Island to enhance accessibility. Integration of teleradiology enables quick scan interpretation among sites. Fact.MR forecasts that the CAGR of both regions is 6.9% from 2025 to 2035.

Fact.MR Survey Results: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=475 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across OEMs, hospital procurement officers, radiopharmaceutical suppliers, and diagnostic center administrators in the US, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea)

Key Priorities of Stakeholders

• Diagnostic Accuracy & Resolution: 85% of respondents listed imaging precision (multi-angle tomographic clarity, spatial resolution) as the most important requirement.
• Radiotracer Availability: 72% underscored continuous availability of radiotracers such as Tc-99m and I-123 as crucial for procedural consistency.

Regional Variance:

• USA: 67% of the respondents emphasized compatibility with PACS/EHR systems for easy data sharing, against 38% in Japan.
• Western Europe: 81% made reduction of radiation doses a priority with technologies such as low-dose protocols, versus 46% in the USA.
• Japan/South Korea: 62% highlighted equipment compactness and operational simplicity in tight imaging suite conditions, compared with just 25% in the USA.

Trends in Technology Adoption

Large SPECT Technology Use Variance:

• USA: 59% of those surveyed currently employ hybrid SPECT/CT devices, primarily within cardiology and oncology protocols.
• Western Europe: 51% integrated AI-driven reconstruction solutions to enhance the speed of image processing and reporting.
• Japan: Deployed AI-fitted systems were available in only 24% of the time, due to low patient volumes.
• South Korea: 37% of clinics have deployed remote-view SPECT diagnostics with national hospital system links.

ROI Perspectives on Innovation:

• 69% of USA hospitals noted quantifiable improvement in patient outcomes using hybrid SPECT/CT, and 41% of Japanese clinics reported finding it challenging to justify the cost of upgrading due to low scan numbers per day.

Equipment Configuration Preferences

Global Consensus:

• Dual-Head Gamma Cameras: Chosen by 66% for improved imaging throughput in high-volume diagnostic centers.

Regional Preferences:

• Western Europe: 54% favored triple-head systems for oncology-centered centers with greater angular sampling needs.
• Japan/South Korea: 43% favored mobile or compact units for urban space-constrained installations and rural outreach.
• USA: 71% kept fixed dual-head SPECT/CT systems in tertiary hospitals, but rural clinics had a 22% switch to mobile units because of budget and space limitations.

Cost Sensitivity and Financial Models

Common Challenges:

• 87% identified rising capital equipment expenses and radiopharmaceutical purchase price volatility as top challenges.

Regional Variations:

• USA/Western Europe: 63% were willing to pay a 20-25% premium for AI integration and hybrid imaging capabilities.
• Japan/South Korea: 76% preferred slim models at below USD 400,000, while just 15% advocated for high-end expenditures.
• South Korea: 48% were interested in leasing models and government-funded imaging subsidies, versus 22% in the USA.

Pain Points in the Value Chain

Manufacturers:

• USA: 52% mentioned difficulty in finding high-purity detector crystals (e.g., NaI(Tl), CZT).
• Western Europe: 47% complained of CE-MDR regulatory delays affecting time-to-industry.
• Japan: 58% mentioned oversaturation and lengthy upgrade cycles leading to stagnation in new installation demand.

Distributors

• USA: 69% experienced supply disruptions due to international component shortages (particularly collimators and detectors).
• Western Europe: 51% encountered decentralized hospital procurement processes, causing order delivery delays.
• Japan/South Korea: 64% identified rural deployment issues due to shortages of technicians.

End-Users (Hospitals/Diagnostic Centers):

• USA: 45% pointed to high radiotracer prices and expiration losses as major concerns.
• Western Europe: 38% had difficulty ensuring interoperability between old and new systems.
• Japan: 60% lacked in-house technical support, relying heavily on vendor engineers for maintenance.

Priorities in Future Investment

Global Alignment:

• 72% of OEMs are elevating investment into AI integration, tracer compatibility improvements, and alignment with the digital ecosystem.

Regional Divergence:

• USA: 64% intend to invest in high-end, fully integrated SPECT/CT and cloud-based reporting.
• Western Europe: 56% are focusing on radiation dose optimization and predictive analysis tools.
• Japan/South Korea: 51% intend to invest in compact module systems customized to urban clinics and home-care imaging.

Regulatory Influence over Purchasing Actions

• USA: 66% of hospitals indicated new CMS reimbursement models for outpatient nuclear imaging have "moderate-to-strong" impact on buying decisions.
• Western Europe: 79% considered the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and Radiation Protection Directive to be driving smart SPECT adoption.
• Japan/South Korea: Just 35% of institutions recognized regulatory impact, with the majority naming price and logistics as leading buying drivers.

Conclusion: Variance vs. Consensus

• High Consensus: Radiotracer supply, diagnostic resolution, and cost containment are universal challenges geographically.

Key Variances:

• USA: High-capacity, AI-enabled hybrid units vs. Japan: low-footprint, conservative systems.
• Western Europe: Image quality and sustainability are top priorities, whereas Asia's are spatial efficiency and cost.

Strategic Insight:

Hyper-localized strategies are needed to succeed-hybrid systems with advanced capabilities for the USA, dose-optimized AI solutions in Europe, and cost-sensitive compact solutions for Japan and South Korea.

Government Regulations

Country	Policy and Regulatory Impact
United States	CMS reimbursement models have a significant impact on SPECT scan volumes. FDA requires 510(k) clearance for SPECT devices.
India	Regulatory clearance under the CDSCO is required for radiological equipment. Rural uptake is hindered by a lack of standard reimbursement. No official nuclear medicine policy as yet.
China	Regulated by the NMPA, China has strict device approval procedures.
United Kingdom	Domestic imaging innovations are prioritized in the 14th Five-Year Plan, with imports restricted.
Germany	UKCA marking has become mandatory for imaging equipment after Brexit. NICE guidance strongly affects public procurement within the NHS system.
South Korea	It needs EU MDR certification and conformity with the EURATOM directive. Subsidies to imaging technologies with low doses of radiation have stimulated investments in hybrid SPECT/CT technology.
Japan	It is controlled by MFDS; installation requires radiation-handling certifications. The government's diagnostic modernization plan includes funding for AI-enabled imaging.
France	The Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act approves MHLW. There is high import dependency and tight reimbursement limits on technology adoption.
Italy	Compliant with EU MDR and radiation protection under ASN regulations. Governmental subsidization drives nuclear imaging growth in district hospitals.
Australia-New Zealand	Compliant with EU and with additional national licensing by the Ministry of Health. Public procurement favors CE-marked, low-dose systems for cancer.

Competitive Landscape

The global Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) industry is moderately consolidated, with a few large medical imaging companies dominating the industry. Regional fragmentation, however, occurs due to differences in healthcare infrastructure and regulatory complexities.

Leaders are fighting it out in pricing differentiation, innovation in hybrid SPECT/CT technologies, advances in radiopharmaceuticals, and research collaborations with research hospitals. Geographical expansion and investments in AI-based diagnostic platforms continue to be strategic plans for future-proofing their portfolios as they face increased demand in oncology, cardiology, and neurology applications.

In July 2024, Agilent purchased BIOVECTRA, a radiopharmaceutical production and CDMO specialist. The acquisition improves Agilent's nuclear medicine supply chain capabilities, which are vital for SPECT tracer development.

In Q3 2024, Thermo Fisher finalized its acquisition of Olink Holding AB, enhancing proteomics capabilities. This action facilitates the integration of proteomic biomarkers into diagnostic imaging to the advantage of SPECT-based precision diagnostics.

Siemens Healthineers (25-30%)

Siemens Healthineers is a leading global player in SPECT imaging with high-end systems such as the Symbia Intevo and Symbia Evo series. It has a keen interest in hybrid SPECT/CT technology, providing high-resolution images with enhanced diagnostic accuracy for cardiology, oncology, and neurology segments.

GE Healthcare (20-25%)

GE Healthcare is another strong competitor with its Discovery NM/CT and Optima NM/CT SPECT systems, which are recognized for their flexibility and integration with CT for improved anatomical localization. It focuses on workflow optimization, AI-based analysis, and scalable solutions for both high-volume centers and low-volume clinics.

Philips Healthcare (15-20%)

Philips provides SPECT systems such as the BrightView and Vereos (digital PET/CT with SPECT capabilities), emphasizing precision imaging and patient comfort. Its key strengths are advanced digital detectors, low-dose protocols, and smooth integration with hospital IT systems, addressing changing nuclear medicine needs.

Canon Medical Systems (10-15%)

Canon Medical (formerly Toshiba Medical) offers SPECT solutions like the Symbia ProSpecta and Celesteion PET/CT-SPECT/CT hybrid systems. Canon Medical focuses on affordability, compactness, and AI-assisted image reconstruction, which makes it highly sought after in cost-sensitive sectors.

Spectrum Dynamics Medical (5-10%)

With expertise in cutting-edge nuclear imaging, Spectrum Dynamics provides the VERITON-CT SPECT/CT system with a 360° CZT detector for high sensitivity and quicker scanning. Its paradigm-shifting technology focuses on specialty applications such as cardiac and oncologic imaging at lower doses of radiation.

Mediso Medical Imaging (3-8%)

Mediso is recognized for its nanoScan SPECT/CT systems, bringing together high-resolution imaging and multi-isotope detection. The firm specializes in preclinical and clinical research sectors, providing customizable solutions to academic institutions and pharmaceutical research.

Other Key Players

• MIM Software Inc.
• Cubresa Inc.
• DDD-Diagnostic A/S
• Dilon Technologies
• Gamma Medica-Ideas
• MiE America Inc.
• Neusoft Medical Systems
• Positron Corporation
• SurgicEye GmbH
• Trivitron Healthcare

Segmentation

Segmentation By Radioisotope:

• Tc-99m
• Ra-223
• Ga-67
• I-123
• Others

Segmentation By Product:

• Standalone
• Hybrid

Segmentation By Application:

• 8.1. Cardiology
• 8.2. Oncology
• 8.3. Neurology
• 8.4. Others

Segmentation By End User:

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Centers
• Others

Segmentation By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• Oceania