Ascension St. John has unveiled Oklahoma's first fully digital mobile PET/CT system.

"As leading healthcare pioneers, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality imaging and quicker scan times for our patients," said Donna Longfield, radiology services manager.

PET scans are increasingly vital in cancer diagnostics and treatment. They play a crucial role in precise planning and monitoring responses in oncology care.

Computed Tomography (CT) fuses X-ray images and specialized software to create detailed cross-sectional images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. This facilitates a precise assessment of treatment effectiveness and guides key procedures such as surgeries, biopsies, and radiation therapy.

Our mobile PET/CT delivers high-quality imaging exams, thanks to its top-of-the-line cameras capable of detecting the smallest tumors. The procedure is both easy and fast and takes place in a comfortable environment. The average appointment takes just 1.5 hours. Test results are typically available the same-day or the next-day.

The new General Electric (GE) PET/CT scanner also utilizes low-dosage radioactive sugars, allowing for more effective detection of cancerous cells in the body and faster removal of radioactive by-products compared to normal PET/CT scans.

Liz Stamile, Nuclear Technologists with Ascension St. John states, "Our patients have consistently praised the convenience of having a scan so close to home, particularly in Owasso and Broken Arrow. With most PET scans typically conducted in Tulsa, the significance of offering this service nearby cannot be overstated. Our equipment, the most advanced camera on the market and the only one in Oklahoma, has surprised and encouraged our patients. My team has observed that our claustrophobic patients have significantly improved experiences with this particular camera compared to others. The scan times are shorter, the camera is bright, and it displays a pattern that has been studied to relieve anxiety. Overall, we have witnessed a markedly enhanced experience for our patients."

Ascension St. John is committed to making this life-saving technology available to communities in Northeastern Oklahoma. It currently makes stops at Ascension St. John Medical Center and the 81st & South Memorial clinic in Tulsa, Ascension St. John Broken Arrow and Ascension St. John Owasso, with plans for further expansion. During your next visit to the doctor, we encourage you to inquire about our new mobile PET/CT scan and its remarkable benefits