Upgrading CT imaging technology for better lung disease diagnosis
Official title: NAEOTOM Alpha Photon-Counting CT Scanner
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10853685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of CT scanner that can take clearer pictures of your lungs with less radiation, which could help doctors better understand and diagnose lung conditions like asthma and COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 1S10OD034285-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10853685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who require imaging for diagnosis or treatment planning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lung conditions or those who do not require imaging studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing lung disease diagnosis by upgrading to a new photon-counting CT scanner, which offers improved imaging capabilities. The new scanner, Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha, directly counts photons and reduces scanning artifacts that can misrepresent lung density. By utilizing advanced technology, it aims to provide clearer images with higher spatial resolution while minimizing radiation exposure. This could lead to more accurate assessments of lung conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better management of lung diseases for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Similar advancements in imaging technology have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy in other medical fields, suggesting a strong potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffman, Eric Alfred — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Hoffman, Eric Alfred
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.