A PET/CT scanner is a hybrid imaging system that combines positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) to show both metabolic activity and detailed anatomy in a single scan.
PET/CT scanner cost ranges from roughly $200,000 for a refurbished entry-level system to over $4 million for a new premium scanner, depending on detector technology, age, and configuration.
A PET/CT scanner is among the most advanced and costly imaging investments a facility can make, used primarily in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. This guide breaks down what a PET/CT scanner costs, how it compares to CT and SPECT, the leading manufacturers, and how to decide between new and refurbished.
A PET/CT scanner merges two technologies in one gantry. The PET component detects gamma rays emitted by a radioactive tracer to map metabolic activity, revealing where cells are most active, which is critical in cancer detection. The CT component adds high-resolution anatomical detail and corrects the PET data for tissue density. Together they pinpoint disease with far more accuracy than either scan alone.
A patient receives a small dose of a radiotracer, commonly FDG (a glucose analog). Active tissues such as tumors absorb more tracer and emit more signal. The PET detectors capture that signal while the CT builds the anatomical map, and software fuses the two into a single image. Detector type and crystal technology drive both image quality and price.
These nuclear and cross-sectional methods are often confused:
- PET/CT: combines metabolic (PET) and anatomical (CT) imaging, the gold standard for oncology staging.
- CT: X-ray anatomy only, fast and detailed but without metabolic information. See our CT Scanner Cost & Buying Guide.
- SPECT: a different nuclear technique using single-photon tracers, often paired with CT (SPECT/CT) for cardiac and bone studies.
PET/CT scanner cost is driven by detector technology, slice count of the CT component, and condition. Typical system price ranges are:
| PET/CT Tier | Refurbished | New |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / older PET/CT | $200,000 – $450,000 | $500,000 – $950,000 |
| Mid-tier PET/CT | $450,000 – $800,000 | $1,100,000 – $2,000,000 |
| Premium / new-generation PET/CT | $800,000 – $1,500,000 | $2,200,000 – $4,000,000 |
These are system prices. Full project cost adds radiation shielding, hot-lab setup, and isotope supply. A certified refurbished PET/CT typically saves 40–60% versus new. Contact us for current PET/CT availability and pricing »
The major PET/CT manufacturers include:
- GE HealthCare: the Discovery PET/CT family
- Siemens Healthineers: the Biograph series
- Philips: the Vereos digital and Gemini PET/CT systems
- Canon: Celesteion and related platforms
Medical Outfitters can help you source, compare, and install refurbished PET/CT systems from these manufacturers. Tell us what you are looking for »
Beyond PET/CT, nuclear medicine relies on gamma detection systems for procedures such as sentinel lymph node mapping and tumor localization. Medical Outfitters supplies the Neoprobe gamma detection system, a trusted tool for intraoperative and surgical nuclear medicine. Explore our full nuclear medicine range.
A new PET/CT offers the latest digital detectors, time-of-flight performance, and a full manufacturer warranty, at the highest price. A certified refurbished PET/CT delivers proven clinical performance for far less, fully inspected and warrantied. Because PET/CT systems are so capital-intensive, refurbished is often the only way for smaller centers to add the capability. Refurbished typically saves 40 to 60 percent versus new.
A PET/CT suite needs careful planning: radiation shielding, a hot lab for handling radiotracers, structural support, and a reliable isotope supply chain. Medical Outfitters manages de-installation, rigging, site preparation, and installation. Learn about installation and rigging »
PET/CT systems require specialized preventive maintenance, detector calibration, and parts support to stay reliable and compliant. Medical Outfitters provides imaging service, repair, and parts. Learn about our service and repair options »
Match the system to your case volume, clinical focus, and budget. Key takeaways:
- Entry / older systems for lower-volume centers adding PET/CT capability
- Mid-tier systems for the typical oncology imaging workload
- Premium digital PET/CT for high throughput and the finest detail
- Refurbished for 40–60% savings with comparable performance
- Plan shielding, hot lab, and isotope supply early to avoid delays
- How much does a PET/CT scanner cost?
- A PET/CT scanner costs about $200,000 for a refurbished entry-level system and up to $4 million or more for a new premium scanner. A refurbished mid-tier PET/CT typically runs $450,000 to $800,000.
- What is the difference between a PET scan and a CT scan?
- A PET scan shows metabolic activity using a radiotracer, while a CT scan shows anatomical detail using X-rays. A PET/CT scanner combines both in one system for more accurate diagnosis.
- What is the difference between PET/CT and SPECT?
- PET/CT uses positron-emitting tracers for high-resolution metabolic imaging, while SPECT uses single-photon tracers and is commonly used for cardiac and bone studies, often paired with CT as SPECT/CT.
- What is a PET/CT scanner used for?
- PET/CT is used primarily in oncology for cancer detection and staging, as well as in cardiology and neurology to assess function and disease.
- Is a refurbished PET/CT scanner worth it?
- Yes. A certified refurbished PET/CT saves 40 to 60 percent versus new with comparable performance, provided it is fully inspected and backed by warranty.
Medical Outfitters helps you source, install, and service new and certified refurbished PET/CT and nuclear medicine systems. Serving the US, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.
