Portable gamma imaging for nuclear medicine

For gamma imaging (radioscintigraphy), a tracer that produces gamma radiation is introduced to the body. The tracer is targeted to the process being investigated - for example, radioiodine for thyroid function. The gamma radiation passes through the body and is imaged by an external camera.

Clinical gamma cameras are large devices, taking up a whole room within a specialist nuclear medicine department. It would be impossible to bring these devices to patients in intensive care or the operating room.

We are working with new sensors and detector materials to develop portable gamma imaging that can be brought to the patient’s bedside or used during surgery to help improve patient wellbeing. 

We are also investigating ways to provide additional information alongside gamma image. For example, hybrid gamma-optical imaging can combine gamma information with standard optical imaging - making the invisible visible.

Partners and collaborators

• Serac Imaging Systems Ltd.
• Prof John Lees - University of Leicester
• Prof Alan Perkins - University of Nottingham