Comparing GE Discovery PET/CT Scanners

Not sure which GE Discovery Pet/CT is right for you?

We’re going to go over and compare our top three GE Discovery PET/CTs and help you understand which one would fit best for your facility.

Our top three systems from the GE Discovery line are the STE 16, the 690, and the VCT 64 scanners.

The GE Discovery STE 16 uses advanced BGO (Bismuth Germanate) crystal detectors with a 16-slice count imaging and diagnostic technology.

Quickly scanning, dose optimizing, and integrated imaging software makes the STE 16 a highly effective PET/CT for oncology, cardiology, and neurology.

The GE Discovery 690 is equipped with high-definition PET and Time-of-Flight (ToF), which creates enhanced images with improved clarity.

Featuring GE’s Q.Clear tech for quantifying accuracy. The 690 also includes respiratory gating to manage motion effects during scans, also designed with patient comfort in mind offering a wide bore, and short tunnel design makes this scanner an ideal choice for diagnostic assessment.

Finally, the GE Discovery VCT 64 integrates advanced 64-slice CT technology with PET scanning using BGO (Bismuth Germanate) crystal detectors to deliver quick high-quality results.

The volume computed tomography (VCT) used for capturing extensive areas of the body quickly reduces motion artifacts which is ideal for cardiac emergency scans.

Adding Time-of-Flight technology, dose-optimization, and AsiR this system provides detailed, efficient, and safe imaging across many clinical settings.

With these three top-of-the-line PET/CTs you’ve got a difficult choice but we’ll walk you through more details to help you make an educated decision!

1. GE Discovery STE 16
2. GE Discovery 690
3. GE Discovery VCT 64

GE Discovery STE 16

The GE Discovery STE 16 integrates PET and CT imaging technologies in a single platform providing function and anatomical insights for a better medical analysis.

Ideal for scanning the entire body the STE 16 provides 2D and 3D acquisition modes, ideal for diverse healthcare needs.

The triple-axis laser alignment provides accurate positioning with an internally cooled gantry that eliminates the need for an external one.

This system's ability to perform high-speed data acquisition and reconstruction gives better turn-around time without reducing image quality.

Best for: Cardiology and Oncology

Key Features:

• Integrated Gantry: Features a slip-ring designed CT X-ray tube, multi-slice detector, and 24 PET detector rings of BGO crystals for high-speed image acquisition and processing.
• Fast Table Movement: Allows for simultaneous up/in or down/out movements, increasing efficiency.
• Internally Cooled Gantry: Eliminates the need for a water chiller, reducing maintenance and facility requirements.
• Automatic Rod Handling: Automates the loading and storage of all rod sources used for calibration and attenuation correction.

GE Discovery 690

The GE Discovery 690 is the next level in molecular imaging. This PET/CT offers enhanced sensitivity and effectiveness.

This whole system is stronger and faster than others in the 600 series, providing flexibility for exploration and motion. With incredible speed and resolution, this system is almost guaranteed to improve your clinical workflow.

This power and resolution come from faster crystal front-end electronics with VUE point FX intelligence reconstruction. Designed to give clinicians detailed images even in areas of the body subject to movement caused by respiration.

With its MotionFree suite components including Motion Match and Motion VUE users now can improve early diagnosis, staging, and monitoring by improving the clinical challenges of motion.

Best for: Intense cardiology

Key Features:

• Advanced Imaging and Flexibility: The GE Discovery PET/CT 690 merges advanced scientific capabilities with next-generation image reconstruction for unparalleled image quality in both clinical and research settings.
• Enhanced Lesion Detectability and Image Quality: Enhanced by faster crystals and electronics, plus VUE Point FX intelligent reconstruction, this system sets a new standard in image clarity and lesion detection.
• Efficient and Sensitive Detection: Featuring a unique detector configuration, the Discovery PET/CT 690 offers rapid protocol flexibility and increased sensitivity, ideal for pioneering clinical techniques and drug discovery.
• Motion Management Technologies: Equipped with MotionFree Imaging Technologies, the system effectively addresses the challenges of imaging areas affected by patient movement, improving accuracy in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Robust Remote Support and High-Speed Data Processing: With IBM BladeCenter technology for quick image reconstruction and proactive maintenance via InSite OnWatch and TiP Virtual Assist, the Discovery PET/CT 690 ensures high operational efficiency and reliable remote support.

GE Discovery VCT 64

The GE Discovery VCT 64 is the stand-out system for superior imaging quality and precision. Using advanced technology to produce clear images quickly and accurately specifically enhancing lesion diagnosis.

This scanner can quickly adjust for different types of studies, making it ideal for both research and clinical use.

Superior movement handling during scans to ensure images remain clear, this system is designed for efficiency not only in scanning but also in processing reliable accurate data as well as giving excellent support to remote work.

Best for: Both Clinical work and lab studies

Key Features:

• Advanced Detector and Imaging Technology: Combines a lutetium-yttrium-orthosilicate (LYSO) block detector PET tomograph with a 64-slice CT scanner for superior imaging capabilities.
• Powerful Computing and Reconstruction: Features a dedicated computing platform that utilizes fully 3D-PET iterative reconstruction algorithms for accurate and reliable imaging results.
• Enhanced Clinical and Research Flexibility: Provides cutting-edge capabilities for both clinical practice and research, enabling advanced studies with new radiotracers and next-generation image reconstruction.
• Innovative Motion Management: Includes MotionFree Imaging Technologies to produce clear and detailed images in areas affected by movement, improving diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Efficient Workflow Support: Equipped with the IBM BladeCenter for rapid image reconstruction and InSite OnWatch for proactive system maintenance, ensuring high operational efficiency and reliability.

In summary, each GE Discovery PET/CT scanner offers specialized capabilities to meet the diverse needs of healthcare providers.

Whether you need the speed and precision of the STE 16 for cardiology and oncology, the advanced sensitivity and motion management of the 690 for intense cardiology, or the high-speed, versatile imaging of the VCT 64 suitable for both clinical and research applications, GE's Discovery line has a solution tailored to your requirements.

If you're still deciding which system fits best with your facility's needs, Block Imaging is here to assist. Our team is ready to provide further information and support to ensure you make the most informed decision for your imaging needs.