Telescoping table

A telescopic table system ( 32 ) is used for imaging a subject in at least a first modality ( 12 ) and a second modality ( 14 ). The first modality is disposed adjacent to the second modality to align a subject receiving bore ( 24 ) of the first modality with a subject receiving bore ( 36 ) of the second modality. The telescoping table system ( 32 ) includes a base ( 108 ), an intermediate pallet ( 78 ) and a subject pallet ( 82 ) on which a subject is loaded prior to imaging. The subject pallet ( 82 ) is mounted and supported to retain a constant cantilevering with respect to the intermediate pallet ( 78 ) at all longitude positions to prevent deflection changes while extending into any of the imaging modalities. The subject pallet ( 82 ) is moved through the first modality subject receiving bore ( 24 ) for imaging in the first modality. The subject pallet ( 82 ) is withdrawn from the first modality ( 12 ) and aligned with the intermediate pallet ( 78 ). The intermediate pallet ( 78 ) is extended through the first modality subject receiving bore ( 24 ) to the intermediate support ( 118 ) which is disposed between the first and second modalities. The subject pallet ( 82 ) is moved along the intermediate pallet ( 78 ) through the second modality subject receiving bore ( 36 ) for imaging, while the intermediate pallet is supported by the intermediate support ( 118 ).