19 September 2014 - Siemens Healthcare announced on Thursday that it has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its SOMATOM Scope, a new 16-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner.

According to the company, the SOMATOM Scope delivers the image quality, dose reduction and workflow-enhancing benefits long associated with the SOMATOM family of CT scanners at a price point that enables facilities to extend routine diagnostic imaging services to more patients and in more specialty settings.

Also, the SOMATOM Scope includes eCockpit technology that extends the scanner's operational lifetime by minimising wear and tear on its most vital components. It has been designed for private radiology practices, community hospitals, critical access hospitals, specialty practices such as orthopaedics and urology, and veterinary medicine.

Available in two configurations, Scope and Scope Power, the SOMATOM Scope enables healthcare providers to comply with the NEMA XR-29 Smart Dose Standard, ensuring a safer imaging experience for patients, the company said.

Siemens Healthcare , a business division of Siemens Inc (FRA:SIEB.F)(, is a supplier to the healthcare industry and a provider of medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids.