TL;DR
- Siemens Healthineers has expanded its photon-counting CT (PCCT) portfolio with FDA clearance for two new systems: the Naeotom Alpha.Pro (dual-source) and Naeotom Alpha.Prime (single-source), alongside the rebranding of the original Naeotom Alpha as the Naeotom Alpha.Peak.
- All three systems use Quantum HD detector technology to deliver ultra-high-resolution spectral imaging at low radiation doses, enabling new possibilities in cardiology, pulmonology, pediatrics, and beyond.
- These new offerings aim to broaden clinical access to photon-counting CT technology, once limited to premium-tier scanners, while bringing speed, automation, and diagnostic precision into routine imaging.
Expanding the Photon-Counting CT Frontier: Siemens Healthineers Launches New Naeotom Alpha Systems
Since the first commercial introduction of photon-counting CT (PCCT) in 2021, the field of CT imaging has been steadily shifting. Siemens Healthineers, who launched the Naeotom Alpha as the first FDA-cleared PCCT system for clinical use, is now expanding that pioneering platform. With over a million patients scanned globally, the technology is no longer an experimental frontier—it’s becoming clinical reality.
Now, with the FDA clearance of two new systems—the Naeotom Alpha.Pro and Naeotom Alpha.Prime—Siemens Healthineers is moving to democratize access to PCCT. The original Naeotom Alpha, meanwhile, has been rebranded as the Naeotom Alpha.Peak, preserving its position as the flagship dual-source scanner at the top of the class.
What’s New in the Naeotom Alpha Lineup?
Naeotom Alpha.Peak — The High-End Workhorse
- Type: Dual-source
- Scan Speed: 737 mm/sec
- Detector: Quantum HD, 0.2 mm slice thickness
- Use Case: High-demand imaging settings requiring maximum speed, resolution, and flexibility
The Naeotom Alpha.Peak remains the highest-performing member of the PCCT family. With scan speeds of up to 737 mm/sec, this system is designed for clinical environments where every second counts, such as trauma or cardiac imaging. It employs the Quantum HD photon-counting detector to resolve fine anatomical details at 0.2 mm slice thickness, enabling the detection of small lesions or subtle vascular abnormalities—without upping the radiation dose.
Naeotom Alpha.Pro — Speed Meets Spectral
- Type: Dual-source
- Scan Speed: 491 mm/sec
- Temporal Resolution: 66 ms
- Specialty Advantage: Pulmonology, cardiology, pediatrics
Blending the dual-source architecture with photon-counting technology, the Naeotom Alpha.Pro offers slightly lower top-end speed than the Peak, but retains the same temporal resolution. Its use of two X-ray tubes and detectors allows for fast scanning even in challenging patient populations—such as pediatric cases where sedation is undesirable, or cardiac imaging where beta-blockers may be contraindicated.
Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of photon-counting CT—faster than single-source, more flexible than the flagship, and optimized for a wide range of clinical scenarios.
Naeotom Alpha.Prime — Photon Counting, Streamlined
- Type: Single-source
- Scan Speed: 345 mm/sec
- Designed For: Routine clinical environments (ER, inpatient, ambulatory)
- Key Feature: Compact PCCT entry point with full spectral imaging capabilities
Finally, the Naeotom Alpha.Prime rounds out the portfolio by bringing photon-counting capabilities to more routine and resource-constrained settings. This model targets institutions that may not need the full dual-source setup but still want the diagnostic clarity and workflow benefits of PCCT. With a scan speed of 345 mm/sec, it handles emergency and outpatient workflows, all while maintaining the same spectral imaging resolution enabled by Quantum HD detectors.
Why Should You Care?
Photon-counting CT is no longer a futuristic buzzword. It has become a clinical tool with real-world benefits, and Siemens’ new portfolio makes it more accessible and practical to own one, be it still at a steep investment.
- For radiologists: You gain sharper images, fewer artifacts, and potentially faster throughput. Whether you’re chasing coronary calcium, lung lesions, or incidentalomas, the gains in contrast and resolution are clinically relevant.
- For technologists: Automation features like myExam Companion promise to standardize protocols and guide users step-by-step—from patient prep to post-processing.
- For administrators: Whether you run a high-volume academic center or a community hospital, the availability of multiple configurations gives you more options to tailor a potential PCCT purchase to your workflow and budget.
Where Does This Fit into Broader PCCT Trends?
Since Siemens’ initial market entry in 2021, other vendors have accelerated development of photon-counting systems. But widespread adoption remains constrained by cost, infrastructure needs, and clinical familiarity.
This latest expansion signals a strategic move to normalize PCCT, not just as a premium-tier modality, but as a scalable clinical standard. In parallel, we’re seeing:
- A growing body of peer-reviewed research validating PCCT in oncology, vascular imaging, MSK, and neuro
- Increasing alignment with AI-assisted reconstruction and dose optimization
- Reimbursement pathways being explored for spectral and dual-energy protocols
Siemens is betting big that photon counting will be the next standard—and they’re now offering the hardware to back that claim across multiple tiers.
Future Outlook & Takeaways
Photon-counting CT is transitioning from early adoption into strategic deployment. The Naeotom Alpha.Peak, Pro, and Prime represent more than just product segmentation—they symbolize a broader shift in CT philosophy.
Watch this space if you’re involved in:
- Technology procurement or fleet renewal
- Specialties relying on fine-detail imaging (e.g., interventional, cardiac, neuro)
- Reducing radiation dose while expanding diagnostic information
- Planning for AI-integrated imaging workflows
As with any significant imaging innovation, adoption will hinge on clinical evidence, training, and integration into existing protocols. But the trajectory is clear: photon-counting CT will be the next big thing in CT.
Keywords: photon counting CT, PCCT, spectral imaging, Naeotom Alpha, Siemens Healthineers, dual-source CT, Quantum HD, photon-counting detectors, CT automation, AI in imaging.
