New imaging machine means less radiation for SA cancer patients

SA’s first digital scanner has one huge new advantage in treating cancer. Find out what.

An Omni PET/CAT scanner, similar to the one at Jones Radiology.

Jones Radiology has installed the first digital PET/CAT scanner in South Australia with the promise of clearer, quicker and more comfortable scans for cancer patients.

The company is unveiling the powerful Omni Legend 32, developed by GE HealthCare, at their Kurralta Park Clinic today, Tuesday October 1.

As well as delivering a clearer picture, the machine delivers lower radiation doses to patients.

The faster scans will be welcomed by patients who sometimes have to maintain awkward positions for long periods while being scanned.

Dr Felix Paterson, Director of Nuclear Medicine at Jones Radiology, said “As the only digital PET in South Australia across public and private sectors, the Omni Legend 32 has up to six times the sensitivity of analog PET.

“This means we can lower radiation doses to our patients while maintaining our commitment to giving our patients a clearer picture.”

Professor Susan O'Neill, SALHN CEO. Picture: SA Health

Jones Radiology chief executive Professor Susan O’Neill noted the milestone move follows the company’s tradition of bringing world class imaging to South Australia with recent examples including the Photon Counting CT and Cima. X MRI — still the only scanners of their kind in South Australia.

“As market leaders we are constantly looking for opportunities to bring cutting edge technology to our patients and referrers,” Prof O’Neill said.

The Omni Legend 32 bolsters the comprehensive range of imaging services available at the oncology focused radiology clinic located in the Tennyson Centre which also is home to chemotherapy and radiation therapy services.

Some oncology patients require PET scans as often as every two months so the new scanner’s ability to significantly reduce scan time can add considerable quality of life benefits over the course of treatment.

The first patient scanned on the Omni Legend 32 was able to compare the experience with his recent prior PET scan which he had found quite uncomfortable as he had to lay with his arms over his head for 25 minutes.

He was visibly relieved when he found out about the reduced scan time and commented that “the bed is also softer.”

Originally published as New imaging machine means less radiation for SA cancer patients