Salt Lake City, Utah - Siemens Healthcare (booth #1021) addresses the need to minimize radiation exposure with the introduction of Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space (IRIS) CT technology for molecular imaging at the 2010 SNM Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City this week. By adding IRIS CT to the TrueV and HD technologies already available with Siemens Biograph family of PET-CT scanners, users can achieve more than 50 percent dose reduction, while doubling the scan speed of conventional PET/CT systems. At the same time, the first clinical results from IQ-SPECT will be showcased, acquired at double the scan speed of conventional SPECT imaging and with half the injected dose.

Two of the most challenging issues facing healthcare today are the dual mandates to improve patient safety and increase productivity. From a patient care and economic perspective, each is critically important. Siemens Molecular Imaging is meeting both of these core needs, at the same time, through its commitment: "Minimum Dose. Maximum Speed." Siemens offers innovative imaging solutions, where the lowest dose can be used, while still scanning patients faster than ever before. By reducing dose and increasing speed, costs are dramatically reduced, while increased utilization can also be achieved.

Symbia® IQ·SPECT technology enables routine scans using half dose and double speed. Another breakthrough innovation for low dose imaging is Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space (IRIS), which routinely achieves up to 60 percent additional CT dose reduction, while maintaining excellent image quality. By offering IRIS, TrueV and HD technologies on the Biograph mCT, Siemens is the only company that can provide routine PET/CT imaging using half dose and double speed.

"Enabling clinicians to maintain the highest level of image quality, while minimizing dose levels and increasing speed is an important part of our
responsibility to the industry. It is imperative that we find a way to offer our customers high-quality solutions, customizable to every patient need, while keeping exposure levels to a minimum," said Britta Fuenfstueck, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. "Molecular imaging is a valuable asset in the detection, staging and monitoring of disease, and Siemens is committed to minimizing radiation exposure without sacrificing image quality."

Siemens' commitment to delivering minimum dose and maximum speed enables high patient comfort and safety and increases utilization. Whether a patient is pediatric and needs a lower dose or geriatric and needs a faster scan, there is an applicable solution in every scanning situation.

Biograph mCT
Siemens Biograph mCT offers high-performance capabilities, including routine, five-minute whole-body imaging, and provides increased patient comfort via quick scan times. Cutting-edge technology and optimum patient care solutions are supported by unique features, such as TrueV Extended Field of View, High-Definition PET, time of flight, Adaptive CT technologies, and the revolutionary IRIS CT that allow the user to reduce the dose by more than 50 percent. Biograph mCT offers institutions ultra-efficient and premium integrated PET and CT technologies and CT configurations up to 128 slices.

Symbia SPECT and SPECT-CT
Symbia's proven IQ-SPECT and diagnostic CT technologies provide a comprehensive cardio workup, while easing the burden of the global Molybdenum shortage via a reduction in technetium dose. Diagnostic SPECT-CT, including calcium scoring, uses half of the typical technetium dose, and cuts acquisition time from 16 minutes to four with the addition of IQ-SPECT technology.

PETNET Solutions and Imaging Biomarker Development
Siemens proprietary biomarker program is currently developing imaging biomarkers in the areas of oncology, cardiology and imaging biomarkers for neurological disorders; and paving the way to personalized medicine. As these markers become available for clinical use, the PETNET Solutions distribution network is in place and prepared for their manufacture and efficient distribution.

PETNET Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., operates the largest PET radiopharmacy network with more than 52 molecular imaging radiopharmacies and distribution centers at multiple worldwide locations. PETNET guarantees reliable dose delivery to meet the needs of hospitals, clinics, and research facilities through its network of radiopharmacies. Siemens PETNET operations have strategically expanded to include international locations and to provide SPECT radiopharmaceuticals through an agreement with Covidien Medical Imaging, further developing its PET and SPECT coverage.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare.

By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.