Cardinal Health announces launch of PET/CT imaging database

Cardinal Health has this week announced the launch of a fully-searchable online database of its positron emission tomography (PET) and joint PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging centres.

These imaging centres aid physicians in their task of detecting and treating conditions in a number of areas, including cardiology, neurology and oncology.

PET and PET/CT scans are used for accurate tracking of disease progression and to observe the success or otherwise of treatments the patient is undergoing, while also being used to detect cancers, coronary artery disease and a number of neurological conditions.

Gordon Troup, president and general manager of nuclear pharmacy services for the company, said: “As an increasing number of physicians use PET and PET/CT services to improve patient care, we’ve recognised a real need for an online tool that would help patients and referring physicians quickly and easily locate nearby imaging centres.”

He added that in being able to locate centres where these scans can be conducted the access to this technology will be widened in the US, with referring doctors being able to successfully incorporate scan data into the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Earlier this week, the Department of Health announced that the NHS is to introduce the innovative use of digital x-rays to replace developed film as a means of reducing waiting lists and speeding up diagnosis.