Book appointment
Book appointment
CP21899 WebRes

New PET-CT Scan Service Coming to Palmerston North

Bringing advanced imaging closer to home

Canopy Imaging is pleased to announce the arrival of a new PET-CT scanning service in Palmerston North, marking the first permanent PET‑CT in the Manawatu region.

Opening on 10 August 2026, this new service will provide patients across Manawatu and the lower North Island with local access to PET-CT imaging. Previously, many people in the region faced long travel distances or extended wait times to receive this type of scan. The new Palmerston North service will help ensure patients can access this important diagnostic imaging closer to home, with faster and more equitable care. 

This builds on Canopy Imaging’s existing PET‑CT service in Hawke’s Bay, bringing advanced imaging to more communities across the North Island.

What is a PET‑CT scan?

A PET‑CT scan (Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography) is an advanced imaging scan that shows both the structure of your body and how your organs and tissues are functioning. 

It is commonly used to:

  • Detect and monitor cancer
  • Assess how well treatment is working
  • Identify areas of abnormal activity in the body

By combining two imaging techniques into one scan, PET‑CT provides highly detailed and accurate information to help guide your care.

How does a PET-CT scan work?

Before your scan, a small amount of a radioactive tracer (most commonly 18F-FDG) is injected into your bloodstream.

This tracer behaves like sugar and collects in areas of your body where cells are more active. The scanner detects these areas and creates detailed images.

This allows us to see how different parts of your body are functioning and identify potential problems early. 

Where can I get a PET‑CT scan in New Zealand?

Canopy Imaging offers PET‑CT scanning services in Hawke’s Bay, with a new service opening in Palmerston North from 10 August 2026.

Learn more about PET‑CT scans and what to expect

To find out more about how PET‑CT scans work and what to expect, visit our Canopy Imaging website here.

 With PET‑CT now available in Palmerston North, more patients can access advanced imaging sooner, supporting earlier diagnosis and more informed treatment decisions.