Philips Medical Systems at RSNA 2006 in Chicago gave attendees a peak at some of its initiatives in the molecular imaging space, fueled largely by an interest in making headway in the imaging agent field. Thus, the company is aggressively expanding its research network in molecular diagnostics and imaging, said Peter Martin, PhD, director business development, molecular imaging.

To do this more effectively, and more affordably, the company has brought in-house microbiologists, chemists and other specialists. Many of these people work within the company’s new molecular healthcare lab in Eindhoven, Netherlands, said Martin.

Beyond that Philips is looking for partnerships to further its capabilities in the area, though it is already working collaboratively with researchers at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Philips also highlighted its BrightView single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system which offers a new gamma camera and a compact design built for facilities with limited room size and cost concerns. The system is outfitted with very large gantry and can be used effectively to image small parts of the body or children. The system also features CloseUp technologies (software and electronics) that minimize the distance between detector and patient.