Total-Body PET Scanner Produces Diagnostic Images in One Minute

A next-generation total-body PET/CT scanner can produce diagnostic-quality images in as little as 1 minute, representing a 90% reduction in acquisition time compared to traditional imaging protocols. Data from the EQUIP study, presented on October 18, 2026, at the 39th Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) in Vienna, indicates that these ultra-fast scans do not sacrifice clarity.

The research utilized the GE HealthCare Omni Legend 128, a system featuring a 128 cm long-axial field-of-view (LA-FOV). Unlike conventional short-axial field-of-view (SA-FOV) scanners that must move the patient through the gantry in increments to capture the whole body, the LA-FOV design allows for the simultaneous imaging of all major organs. This increased sensitivity is what enables the drastic reduction in scan time while maintaining high image resolution.

The 90% reduction in scan time significantly improves clinical workflows and patient throughput.

During the EQUIP study, researchers evaluated 24 participants using five different radiotracers. The researchers compared 1-minute reconstructions from the total-body system against current standard-of-care images. Blinded specialists rated the 1-minute images higher on average for overall diagnostic quality, image sharpness, and lesion conspicuity.

The ability to complete a full-body scan in 60 seconds addresses several long-standing challenges in clinical workflows. Standard PET scans typically require patients to remain perfectly still for 15 to 20 minutes, a requirement that is often difficult for pediatric patients, individuals with severe pain, or those suffering from claustrophobia. By shortening the window for potential movement, the high-speed system reduces the likelihood of motion artifacts that can blur images and necessitate re-scans.

Beyond patient comfort, the 90% time reduction suggests a significant shift in hospital throughput. High-sensitivity LA-FOV scanners allow facilities to process more patients per day or, alternatively, use the system’s sensitivity to lower the required dose of radiopharmaceuticals, potentially reducing radiation exposure for patients undergoing frequent follow-up imaging.

The study confirms that even at the 1-minute mark, the total-body scanner exceeds the performance of traditional systems. This advancement allows clinicians to capture high-resolution snapshots of metabolic activity across the entire body nearly instantaneously, providing a more efficient path to diagnosis and treatment planning in oncology and neurology.

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