Faster PET-CT Imaging and Increased Capacity
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust has become the first site in the UK to install the Biograph Trinion PET-CT system from Siemens Healthineers. According to the center, the system reduces average PET-CT scan times from around 25 minutes to approximately 7 minutes, supporting increased patient throughput and improved access to diagnostic imaging.
The installation replaces an existing scanner at the Trust’s Wirral site and is expected to enable a higher number of daily appointments. This is particularly relevant as demand for PET-CT imaging continues to grow across oncology pathways in the UK.
Supporting Cancer Diagnosis and Workflow Efficiency
PET-CT imaging plays a key role in cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring. By combining Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which highlights metabolic activity, with Computed Tomography (CT), which provides anatomical detail, clinicians can assess both structure and function in a single exam.
The Biograph Trinion system incorporates advanced detector technology and AI-supported image reconstruction to deliver high-quality images more quickly. This approach supports:
- Reduced scan times and shorter patient appointments
- Increased daily imaging capacity
- Maintained diagnostic confidence in oncology imaging
- Improved patient experience
Faster acquisition times may also help reduce motion artifacts and improve workflow efficiency in high-demand clinical environments.
Addressing Growing Demand for PET-CT Services
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre serves as a regional imaging hub for Cheshire and Merseyside, supporting multiple hospitals. Increased scanning capacity is therefore critical to ensuring timely access to diagnostic services and treatment planning across the wider healthcare system.
In addition to oncological imaging, the system supports non-oncological assessments, further expanding its clinical utility. Workflow features such as patient-monitoring cameras and flexible imaging protocols are designed to help clinical teams manage complex cases while maintaining patient safety and data protection standards
Collaboration and Technology Deployment
The installation reflects ongoing collaboration between The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Siemens Healthineers. The deployment is part of a broader PET-CT infrastructure across the UK, aimed at supporting scalable imaging services as demand increases.
“The new Biograph Trinion PET-CT scanner will further enhance The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s imaging capabilities, providing even more accurate and detailed images,” states Diana Almeida, clinical lead for PET-CT at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. “Demand for PET-CT has significantly increased in recent years so we are delighted that the new scanner will reduce scan time considerably, allowing more patients to have scans each day, and greatly improving patient experiences, supported by the reliability that comes from working with a long-established technology partner.”
“As demand for cancer imaging continues to grow, technologies that enable faster scanning, increased capacity and higher diagnostic performance are essential,” states Gill Coughlan, business line manager for Molecular Imaging at Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland. “By working closely with leading centres such as The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, we are supporting the delivery of innovative PET imaging solutions that help improve access to timely diagnosis and care.”
Implications for Radiology Services
The introduction of faster PET-CT systems may help radiology departments manage increasing workloads while maintaining imaging quality and patient access. Shorter scan times and higher throughput are particularly relevant for oncology imaging, where timely diagnosis and treatment planning are critical.
Source: Siemens Healthineers
