Photon-Counting CT Advanced Technology

Now available at Knox Private Hospital

Computed tomography (CT) has been a cornerstone of medical imaging for decades, helping clinicians diagnose everything from fractures and stroke to cancer and heart disease.

Like most medical technologies, CT continues to evolve. One of the latest developments is Photon-Counting CT (PCCT), a new detector technology designed to improve image quality while providing additional diagnostic information from a single scan.

Lumus Imaging is pleased to offer Photon-Counting CT at Knox Private Hospital, expanding the advanced imaging services available to referrers and patients across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. This commitment to advanced imaging technology is the first of its kind in Victoria. We’ve previously launched this technology in NSW.

How is Photon-Counting CT different?

Conventional CT scanners use energy-integrating detectors that convert X-rays into visible light before creating an image.

Photon-Counting CT works differently. Rather than converting X-rays into light, it detects individual X-ray photons directly. This enables the scanner to capture more detailed information about the tissues being examined and routinely acquires spectral data during every scan. 

While this difference occurs inside the scanner itself, the practical benefits may include:

• higher spatial resolution
• lower image noise
• improved visualisation of fine anatomical detail
• spectral imaging without requiring dedicated scanning protocols. 

For patients, the experience of having a CT scan is much the same. The difference lies in the information available to the reporting radiologist.‍

When might Photon-Counting CT be useful?

Not every CT examination requires Photon-Counting technology and Photon-Counting CT isn’t intended to replace conventional CT. 

Rather, Photon-Counting CT expands the imaging options available to radiologists and referring clinicians in situations where higher spatial resolution or additional spectral information may assist diagnosis.

Musculoskeletal imaging

The higher spatial resolution of Photon-Counting CT can assist in evaluating:

• subtle or occult fractures
• small joints
• complex bony anatomy
• post-operative assessment
• imaging around orthopaedic implants. 

Reduced metal artefact may also improve visualisation around screws, plates, joint replacements and spinal instrumentation.

Cardiac imaging

Photon-Counting CT may provide improved assessment of coronary arteries, including heavily calcified vessels and coronary stents, supporting CT coronary angiography for appropriate patients. 

Respiratory imaging

Assessing interstitial lung disease (ILD) often relies on identifying very fine structural changes within the lungs.

Published research has demonstrated that Photon-Counting CT can improve visualisation of these structures and increase radiologist confidence when assessing certain ILD patterns compared with conventional CT technology. 

While imaging findings must always be interpreted alongside the clinical picture, improved visualisation has the potential to support multidisciplinary decision-making in appropriate patients.

Emergency and trauma imaging

Photon-Counting CT may also assist in selected emergency presentations where subtle fractures or complex anatomy are difficult to evaluate on conventional imaging.

Examples include:

• scaphoid injuries
• facial trauma
• cervical spine assessment
• foot and ankle injuries
• occult fractures.‍

‍

What is spectral imaging?

One of the distinguishing features of Photon-Counting CT is that spectral information is collected during every scan.

This allows radiologists to generate additional image reconstructions from the same examination, including:

• monoenergetic images
• iodine maps
• virtual non-contrast images
• material-specific reconstructions. 

These additional datasets may provide further clinical information from the same examination, avoiding the need for separate imaging in selected cases.

Does Photon-Counting CT reduce radiation dose?

Radiation dose remains an important consideration for every CT examination.

Photon-Counting CT has been designed to use X-rays more efficiently than conventional detector technology. Studies have demonstrated that it can achieve high-quality images at radiation doses comparable with—or, in selected applications, lower than—conventional CT systems. 

As with all imaging, the examination performed should always be the one most appropriate for the patient's clinical presentation.

What does this mean for referrers?

For most referrers, the technology itself is less important than the clinical question it helps answer.

Photon-Counting CT provides radiologists with another imaging tool that may offer additional anatomical detail or spectral information in selected cases. For complex clinical questions—particularly where conventional CT has recognised limitations—these capabilities may support image interpretation and reporting.

Choosing the most appropriate imaging examination remains a collaborative decision based on the patient's presentation, the clinical question and current evidence.

Our radiologists are available to discuss complex cases and help determine when Photon-Counting CT may be appropriate.

Photon-Counting CT at Lumus Imaging Knox Private Hospital

Photon-Counting CT is now available at Lumus Imaging Knox Private Hospital, providing referrers across Melbourne with access to one of the latest advances in CT imaging.

To learn more about our CT services, discuss a referral or make an appointment, visit our Knox Private Hospital location page or phone our team on 03 9210 7100.