Long Axial Field of View PET: Sensitivity, Clinical Applications, and Implementation

Long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT represents a major hardware evolution that expands detector coverage to dramatically increase geometric sensitivity. This amplified signal enables significantly shorter acquisitions, reduced administered radiotracer dose, improved lesion conspicuity, and delayed or low-count imaging. Rather than representing distinct platforms, extended-AFOV and long-AFOV systems exist along a continuum extending from conventional short-axis scanners. Both configurations share substantial functional overlap, driving profound workflow and dose-reduction benefits while supporting advanced dynamic and multiparametric protocols. For radiologists, maximizing this technology requires transitioning from static image assessment to managing complex quantitative data, fundamentally advancing molecular imaging across diverse medical specialties.