A new mobile imaging vehicle from Siemens Healthcare could make the road more hospitable for medical journeymen. It features an on-board SOMATOM Scope; a very small, FDA-cleared scanner, with a wide range of applications. The company hopes the benefits of the small footprint scanner will simplify access to imaging for patients in remote and rural settings.

Karol Nguyen, Siemens CT product manager, told DOTmed News the SOMATOM Scope is distinguished from other CTs on the road in that the driver doesn't need a commercial license to operate the vehicle. "So the person running the CT could be the same person driving," said Nguyen.

The imaging vehicle, which was designed in partnership with Medical Coaches, also has low power requirements. "It's completely self-contained with an on-board generator that will power the CT anywhere it's parked," said Nguyen.
The life of the generator depends on how much driving one does, but Nguyen estimates between 10 and 20 patients could be scanned on a full tank. An on-board power supply also eliminates the need to tinker with local power lines.

"How do you access people in rural areas?", asked Nguyen, citing that it isn't always easy for those patients to arrange for transportation to the imaging center, get time off work, or make sure someone can look after the kids. "It's all about bringing care closer to the patient," she said.

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