Next Generation Digital PET/CT: Clinical Workflow Aspects for Technologists

2680 Objectives The learning objectives are: 1. Introduction to solid state, digital PET (dPET) with a brief technology overview, describing what has changed compared to conventional photomultiplier tube PET systems 2. Review of changes in system operation as compared to a conventional PET/CT system 3. Improvements in workflow provided by the dPET system 4. Potential enhancement in reconstruction and post-processing relevant for technologists Methods A pre-commercial release digital PET/CT system, Vereos, has been in place and under clinical trial operation at our site for more than one year. This has given us ample time to explore and experience the changes in the workflow and operation of the system, as compared to our conventional PET/CT system, Gemini TF 64. A detailed review of improvements in the planning of acquisitions, such as the option for the surview direction to be in or out of the gantry, dose level reminders as set by each site, semi-automated table position adjustments, improved GUI, and facilitated protocol management will be provided. Automated reconstruction settings such as the potential use of OMAR in CT reconstruction, multiple simultaneous PET reconstructions with automatic pushing to PACS, and secondary reconstruction settings allowing for easy correction of dose and injection time error correction, will also be described. Results With more than one year of experience using the next generation system, we have had the opportunity to explore all aspects of PET/CT acquisition within a new digital platform. We have found that workflow and scan planning, patient comfort and compliance, and post-processing and image distribution have all been improved by the changes available in the dPET system as compared to our conventional system. Our open communication with the vendor has provided a great flow of information and feedback, leading to user-driven improvements in the system, fully preparing this new device for final commercial release. Conclusions The development of solid state, digital photon counting PET detector technology and the building of an advanced PET/CT user platform around it has brought countless beneficial modifications to the way PET/CT imaging can be performed. Each small improvement can add up to a significantly enhanced workflow. By providing a detailed review of each of these facets we will provide a background on which future users can build in order to best take advantage of the capabilities offered by this impressive leap and next generation PET/CT technology.