Magdeburg University Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, introduces new whole-body PET/CT system in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt; lower radiation, shorter scans.
Medical Faculty/University Hospital Magdeburg - Unique in Saxony-Anhalt: New PET/CT Scanner Offers Faster, Gentler, and More Precise Examinations
Unique in Saxony-Anhalt: New PET
CT Scanner Offers Faster, Gentler, and More Precise Examinations
The Department of Nuclear Medicine at Magdeburg University Hospital is upgrading its technical equipment and introducing a medical first to the state: With the official signing of the contract, the way is now clear for a state-of-the-art whole-body PET
CT system. It is the only device of this performance class in the entire state. The new large-scale device is scheduled to go into operation in December 2026.
What makes the new system so special?
Across Germany, comparable systems are currently available at only a very small number of locations, such as Leipzig, Hanover, Essen, Tübingen, and Münster. The new device is characterized by what is known as a long axial field of view (LAFOV) . Unlike conventional models, it can scan large sections of the body at once, rather than in many small sections as is typically the case.
In addition to pure diagnostics, the system also enhances what is known as theranostics —the combination of precise diagnosis and targeted therapy (such as “radioligand therapy” for prostate cancer).
Photo: Back row, from left to right: Thomas Deege, Daniel Barion (both Siemens Healthineers AG), Josefine van den Oever, member of the Central Purchasing Management Team; Prof. Dr. Michael Kreißl, Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Magdeburg University Hospital; front row: Caroline Mebert (Siemens Healthineers AG), Marco Bohn, Commercial Director of Magdeburg University Hospital. Photographer: Sarah Kossmann
In medical research, the wide field of view also makes it possible to seamlessly track the distribution of tracers throughout the entire body. This contributes directly to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
This technological advancement is funded by a grant from the State of Saxony-Anhalt (Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection, and Environment) in the amount of 8 million euros . In an EU-wide call for proposals, Siemens prevailed with the most cost-effective bid.
The key benefits for patients:
Lower radiation exposure & shorter scan times: Thanks to the system’s high sensitivity, a significantly lower dose of the radioactive tracer is required for the examination—typically only one-third of the usual amount. In addition, the time spent inside the scanner is considerably reduced, to only about one-quarter of the usual duration.
Gentler for vulnerable patient groups: Thanks to the reduced dose of the radiotracer and the short time spent inside the scanner, children and patients with physical limitations—who find it difficult to lie still for long periods—can now be examined much more effectively.
Faster appointment availability: Since individual scans are completed more quickly, more of them can be performed per day in the future. This reduces wait times for appointments.
Image: Biograph Vision Quadra PET
CT Scanner. Source: Siemens Healthineers AG
MEDICAL FACULTY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL MAGDEBURG