On March 14^th, the first ultra-long axial field of view PET/CT in Western China commenced official operations at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. This state-of-the-art equipment can, in just 30–40 seconds, complete a whole-body scan, and precisely detect tumors as small as 3 millimeters—roughly the size of a sesame seed.

This technological advancement not only addresses the existing gap in advanced molecular imaging capabilities within Western China but also significantly enhances the capacity for early diagnosis and treatment in the fields of oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular medicine.

At the launch ceremony, distinguished guests including QIN Zhengjie, Party Secretary of Chongqing Medical University; PAN Jianbo, Deputy Director general of the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission; WU Hao, Party Secretary of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; LUO Yong, Deputy Party Secretary and President of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; and TAN Guosheng, General Manager and Co-CEO of United Imaging Healthcare, collectively unveiled the new equipment.

Professor PANG Hua, Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, explained that the system offers clinical advantages: “ultra-fast imaging, high-resolution localization, and precise detection.” Compared to conventional PET/CT scans requiring 15–20 minutes, this new equipment completes a whole-body scan in a remarkable 30–40 seconds, exposing patients to only approximately 1/40th the effective radiation dose per scan of traditional methods. Furthermore, unlike traditional equipment that require segmented scanning and risk missing lesions, this equipment achieves full-body coverage in a single pass, thereby minimizing the risk of overlooking metastatic cancer foci.

“This equipment can precisely detect micro-lesions smaller than 3 millimeters— approximately the size of a sesame seed,” Professor PANG elaborated. “Its ability to clearly visualize early-stage cancers and previously hidden (occult) metastases significantly facilitates earlier detection and initiation of treatment for cancer patients.”

Following its official commissioning for clinical use, the system's initial application will prioritize the screening of high-risk oncology populations and the provision of precise diagnostic insights for complex clinical cases.

In his address, WU Hao, Party Secretary of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, emphasized that the equipment can significantly enhance diagnostic precision for early screening and treatment in oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular diseases. He highlighted the improved patient experience, characterized by “more accurate early screening, greater examination efficiency, and substantially lower exposure.” Mr. WU underscored the equipment's crucial role in advancing early cancer detection, aiding the differential diagnosis of challenging cases, and driving innovation in treatment strategies. Describing it as a “cutting-edge tool” for life science exploration, he noted its multimodal and multi-radionuclide imaging capabilities provide comprehensive diagnostic information, offering robust support for research into disease mechanisms and the development of personalized treatment plan. This, he concluded, offers vital underpinning for cultivating new quality productive forces in clinical and scientific research at the hospital.

The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University will remain steadfastly committed to its public service mission, maximizing the system's potential to advance precision medicine, streamline examination workflows, and alleviate patient burdens, thereby demonstrating the compassion and commitment expected of a leading public hospital. Moreover, the hospital will continue to deepen technological innovation, utilizing the long axial PET/CT as a catalyst to foster medical-engineering collaboration and encourage the profound integration of imaging medicine with clinical research. A key focus will be developing nationally influential specialty departments, thereby solidifying the foundation for its “Double First Class” and “Double Center” construction initiatives.

LUO Yong, Deputy Party Secretary and President of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, presided over the ribbon-cutting and launch ceremony.