From the June 2015 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
For other facilities, the optimal solution for lowering dose and increasing safety is the implementation of vendor-neutral image reconstructive software. In addition to its low capital cost, which runs only five to 10 percent of that of a new SPECT camera, image reconstruction software is compatible with all models and manufacturing years of existing cameras, so larger facilities with multiple SPECT cameras can upgrade their entire department with one purchase.
While the capital cost itself is low, there are also numerous other advantages that make the purchase a smart one. For starters, nuclear medicine imaging departments will also require a lower dose of technetium-99m. It can be as low as five and 15 mSv instead of 10 and 30 mSv for rest/stress – and can maintain its regular workflow with the same cameras, acquisition station and workstation. And physicians are pleased with the high image quality and diagnostic confidence even while decreasing dose by half, or even three-fourths; when decreasing scan time by half, or when decreasing both dose and time.
Educated patients will appreciate not only the lower dose, but also the shorter scan times that are possible, especially those patients who are very sick or uncomfortable with the procedure. For example, a gated stress myocardial perfusion study could be completed in as little as three minutes, and a rest SPECT acquisition under five minutes. The decreased time is not only a value to patient health and comfort, but can also be used to increase patient throughput, in which case the implementation of image reconstruction software will not only prove to be a cost-effective means to reduce radiation exposure, but also to increase revenue.
Low-dose and potential for increased revenue contribute to a win-win scenario. Hospitals and imaging facilities are hard-pressed to make the best of available resources while prioritizing patient safety and adhering to the best industry practices. Engaged and educated patients are driving changes in all health care disciplines and nuclear medicine is no exception, with primary goals being safer high-qualityimaging and increased comfort during a faster exam. Careful examination of available options will ensure the facility will end up with a solution that is the best fit for its staff, patient and budget needs.
About the author: Yossi Srour is president and CEO of UltraSPECT Inc. Prior to joining the company in 2006, Srour served as CEO of CADVision Medical Technologies, and led its successful sale to Siemens AG.
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