Total-body scanner set to unlock disease insights
Scotland is set to receive its first total-body scanner in a boost to clinical research that aims to improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of complex, multi-organ diseases Scotland is set to receive its first total-body scanner in a boost to clinical research that aims to improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of complex, multi-organ diseases. The Total-Body Positron Emission Tomography (PET) facility, due to be operational in 2024, will capture images of patients' entire bodies quicker, in more detail and use less radiation than existing scanners. In combination with data from the other new scanner in London, the Scotland scanner forms part of a new National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP) which experts believe will accelerate the development of new drugs and diagnostics. The platform, a partnership between Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Innovate UK, aims to advance healthcare research and clinical trials, and unlock new treatments for complex diseases like cancer as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The NPIP Scotland Total-Body PET facility will allow academics to connect to the new platform to share data and collaborate on research. The scanners are part of a £32 million investment into the ground-breaking technology by the UK Government, through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Infrastructure Fund. The facility will be jointly managed by the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh and will be based at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.
