Molecular imaging lands on the practice doorstep

Molecular imaging is no longer the sole purview of well-funded government and academic centers. The 2003 RSNA meeting will showcase a variety of devices, tracers, applications, and services aimed at bringing molecular imaging within range of the outpatient imaging center.

Gamma cameras have been retooled to acquire images faster and support larger and less-mobile patient populations. New micro PET scanners will be unveiled for research and development initiatives in small animal imaging models. PET/CT devices have been optimized for higher count rates, as well as being offered in 2- to 16-slice CT configurations.

New radiotracers for PET bone imaging are being introduced, as well as modular systems for the creation of on-site radiopharmaceutical production. The latest PET software optimizes PET/CT imaging, and allows the fusion of images from disparate modalities such as CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine.

A support service for PET use at the local level will also be demonstrated. This Web-based tool provides operational, educational, and marketing software applications and collateral designed to bolster a practice’s success in the offering of molecular imaging services.

To find out more about what’s in store for molecular imaging at this year’s RSNA, click on a link below.

By Jonathan S. Batchelor
AuntMinnie.com staff writer
November 19, 2003