The benefits of a mobile service
Mobile PET/CT scanners provide local imaging solutions where static centres are not readily accessible. A PET/CT scan takes approximately 2 hours from when the patient arrives to when the patient leaves the unit, cutting down the travelling time to the unit by providing a local mobile service reduces the time spent away from home for the patient, which in turn reduces patient stress and anxiety as well as travelling expenses.
The mobile PET/CT provides a fully staffed service using state-of -the- art-equipment at a local centre. This allows full integration with the local health community including local reporters and images returned to the local PACS. This facilitates PET/CT reporters representation at local MDTs.
Mobile PET/CT units can be used when the number of patients is not sufficient for a static service. The mobiles can travel between hospitals spending one or more days at each site. This can help build a business case for a static scanner and also monitor patient volumes for a local centre. Having a service available, tailored to the number of patient referrals expected, is a cost effective way of providing a service.
Even though the service is in a mobile environment Medical Physics Experts and the Radiation Protection Advisor support the service. The radiation dose is reduced by facility design in our custom built mobiles and safe systems of work. A prior Radiation Risk Assessment is performed before the mobiles visit a new site. Quality Assurance programs are in place to ensure stability of the units.
Capital costs by the site are kept to a minimum, the site need to provide a mobile pad, which would include power, network connections and a water supply. A reception area, waiting room and toilet for radioactive patients can be provided by the InHealth mobile support unit, which can be attached to the main mobile unit.
Click on ‘the mobile scanning units’ section to view the mobile units and view a 360 degree images of the units.
