A new state of the art system, that combines two scanning technologies to enhance diagnosis for cancer, urology and endocrine patients, has been introduced at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
The move increases the accuracy of scans, enhancing quality and speed of diagnoses. Patients are benefitting from faster access to scans with shorter appointment times and less need for repeat visits.
The SIEMENS Symbia Pro.specta is part of a planned replacement programme to update existing equipment which was originally installed when the hospital was built in 2011.
The new machine uses nuclear single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technology with a gamma ray camera to scan patients who have been injected with a harmless radioisotope. This is combined with a 360-degree CT scan to create detailed imaging of structure and physiology.
The patient receives the CT scan immediately after the gamma ray scan, whereas previously they would have to wait a few hours or even days for the subsequent CT scan. The quality of the images is significantly enhanced by keeping the patient in exactly the same position for both scans.
The system’s artificial intelligence superimposes the images from both scans to create a more accurate and detailed report for diagnosis. The ability to pinpoint a tumour or lesions with more detail can result in less invasive surgery and therefore better recovery.
Read more about the launch of our latest Radiology technology
