A London NHS hospital has installed an advanced diagnostic CT scanner that combines versatility with precision.

The new 64-slice Somatom Definition AS from Siemens Healthcare at Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup has replaced a 4-slice system as the site's only CT facility.

The scanner is adaptable to the individual patient, clinician and task. It is being used at the hospital to meet a range of scanning needs, particularly in oncology.

The adaptability of the Definition AS makes it ideal for general scans, and for a wide variety of patients. It has a high temporal resolution (up to 165ms) and fast coverage (64 slices per rotation), delivering very clear and precise images.

While needing minimal space, the system has a large bore (78cm) that can accommodate claustrophobic or obese patients. It can hold a mass of up to 230kg. Siemens' unique Adaptive Dose Shield keeps the patient dose to a minimum level.

"The adaptable Definition AS is ideally suited to be the sole CT system on site at Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup," said Clive West, Regional Sales and Corporate Business Manager at Siemens Healthcare. "Its speed and image quality coupled with an accommodating design mean it is able to meet a vast scope of scanning requirements while improving the patient experience."

"The main benefits of the Definition AS are its speed and ease of use. Training has also been straightforward as staff are already comfortable with Siemens' systems," said Bradley Smith, Services Manager, Radiology at Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup.

"Furthermore, its design advantages have made a real difference. For example, the big table limit means we can get larger people through the system and patients can easily be placed in scanning focus."

 
Somatom Definition AS at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup