New PET CT scanner unveiled at University College Hospital

Members of our executive team, board and frontline service colleagues gathered to unveil a new PET CT scanner at University College Hospital. Huge thanks to all involved in bringing this additional resource to our service.

A new PET CT scanner, UCLH's third, can scan patients in under 10 minutes, enabling more patients to be seen per day and reducing waiting times. 

Current PET CT scans take up to 30 minutes. The reduced scan time using the new machine will mean four patients can be seen an hour – up to 37 patients per day, compared to 12-14 patients on the older scanners. 

UCLH has the largest nuclear medicine department in the UK, seeing over 20,000 patients a year – 150-200 patients a day across our different scanners. 

This scanner, which was installed earlier this year, has now begun seeing its first patients. It operates 8am-8pm on weekdays and the service also has lists on Saturdays and Sundays to reduce waiting times. UCLH also provides mutual aid to other parts of the NHS and is currently supporting neighbouring trusts with their PET CT scans. 

PET scans (positron emission tomography) produce detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of the body which can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any abnormal areas, and can highlight how well certain functions of the body are working. These scans are used to investigate a range of conditions in oncology including neuroendocrine tumours, neurology, cardiology, infection and inflammation (including fast-track vasculitis imaging), and, increasingly, to help guide theragnostics. 

Members of our executive team, board and frontline service delivery colleagues gathered in T05, University College Hospital, last night to unveil the new scanner and to thank all those involved in procuring and installing the machine.

David Probert, chief executive, said, “I am thrilled to see UCLH using such cutting-edge technology, ensuring we are providing the very best service for our patients. We’re confident this will improve waiting times, leading to faster diagnosis and, ultimately, treatment for both UCLH patients, while also playing our role in supporting other NHS services. 

“A big thank you to our board members for their support and to colleagues across nuclear medicine for the work they do.”