GE Introduces Optima PET/CT 560 Tomograph

GE Healthcare has announced a new PET/CT tomograph, the Optima 560. The device can do a complete body scan in one go on patients up to 2 meters tall (6 feet 6 inches), and is designed to improve workflow and make the scanning process faster and easier on the techs. The system is upgradeable to GE’s Discovery PET/CT 600.
More about the system from the press release:

Advanced GE VUE Point HD intelligent 3D iterative reconstruction technique enhances resolution for uncompromised image quality that helps enable clinicians to confidently detect small lesions and increase quantitative accuracy.
Based on the Broselow-Luten† Pediatric system, GE Healthcare’s default PET/CT protocols are specifically designed to help reduce CT radiation exposure in FDG pediatric exams to meet ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achieveable) guidelines. With an intuitive GE developed interface dedicated to pediatric examinations, physicians select from color-coded protocols set in advance to suit a child’s specific weight.
In addition, the Optima PET/CT 560 uses a 3D modulation algorithm which automatically adjusts the mA as clinicians scan along the x-y-z axes. The modulation maintains CT image quality, yet dose is reduced up to 40%.
The Optima PET/CT 560 is built for growth, thus delivering a strong investment value as the system is fully upgradeable to the GE Healthcare Discovery* PET/CT 600 series as department needs grow and change. Available in 8-slice or 16-slice configurations, the Optima PET/CT 560 can be operated as a standalone CT scanner.
The user interface is simplified for fast exam set-up and the compact and ergonomic operators console is designed for flexibility and comfort of the operator. Starting with pre-scan and straight through to post-processing, the Optima PET/CT 560 can help make the entire scanning experience streamlined and efficient. Daily Quality Assurance at the start of the scanning day is quick and efficient with one button push and less than 10 minutes a day all with no additional exposure to the staff with the GE automated source loader. Fast reconstruction times deliver images to clinicians sooner, allowing decision-making before a patient is even off the table.

Press release: GE Healthcare Announces PET/CT System Designed to Boost Patient Comfort, Enable Affordable and Efficient Care Globally…
Optima PET/CT 560 brochure… (.pdf)