Invited review--Off-site PET imaging programs: challenges and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Veterinary medicine
• Medical imaging
• Nuclear medicine

Background:

• Growing interest among veterinarians in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and PET/CT imaging for clinical and research purposes.
• High cost of dedicated PET and PET/CT equipment and infrastructure presents a barrier to widespread adoption in veterinary practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide veterinarians with a practical guide for accessing and utilizing off-site PET and PET/CT scanners primarily used for human medical imaging.
• To enable veterinary access to advanced imaging technology without requiring direct capital investment in expensive equipment.

Main Methods:

• Overview of general procedures for utilizing off-site PET and PET/CT facilities.
• Guidance on animal transport logistics for imaging appointments.
• Discussion of essential radiation safety considerations for veterinary patients and personnel.

Main Results:

• Veterinarians can leverage existing human PET and PET/CT infrastructure for their imaging needs.
• The manuscript outlines a framework for operationalizing off-site imaging access.
• Key regulatory statutes relevant to operating PET imaging facilities are referenced.

Conclusions:

• Utilizing shared, off-site PET and PET/CT scanners offers a feasible pathway for veterinarians to access advanced diagnostic imaging.
• This strategy mitigates the financial burden associated with acquiring dedicated imaging equipment.
• Adherence to procedural, transport, and radiation safety guidelines is crucial for successful implementation.