The potential advantages and workflow challenges of long axial field of view PET/CT

Recently developed Long (≥100 cm) axial field of view (AFOV) PET/CT scanners are capable of producing images with higher signal-to-noise ratio, or performing faster whole-body acquisitions, or scanning with lower radiation dose to the patient, compared with conventional PET/CT scanners. These benefits, which arise due to their substantially higher, by more than an order of magnitude, geometric efficiency, have been well described in the recent literature. The introduction of Long AFOV PET/CT technology into the clinic also has important implications for the design and workflow of PET/CT facilities and their effects on radiation exposure to staff and patients. Maximising the considerable benefits of this technology requires a thorough understanding of the relationships between these factors to optimise workflows while appropriately managing radiation exposure. This article reviews current knowledge on PET/CT facility design, workflows and their effects on radiation exposure, identifies gaps in the literature and discusses the challenges that need to be considered with the introduction of Long AFOV PET/CT into the clinic.