Knowing the latest technology and market quality can help you know your options when looking to buy or replace an outdated CT scanner. The first things to consider are your clinical requirements, budget, and model preference, whether OEM or not. Evaluating your equipment needs will help you make the best decision towards selecting the ideal system for your organization. Here are a few of the features and factors you should consider when choosing a new CT scanner.
Slice count
Everyone buying a CT scanner should take their time to assess the slice count. The slice count is like the machine’s heart that guides the technical capabilities of the CT scan from the high-resolution imagery and scan time. Purchasing CT scanners with higher slice counts might not be the best idea, particularly for smaller clinics with minimal patient demand. For medical research institutions, the highest slice count would do.
There are different slice counts for every purpose;
- 4-Slice CT – This scanner is used for low-volume imaging centers and facilities that use the system once or twice a week.
- 16-Slice CT – Offers the best quality at a great budget and is a good option for institutions with a higher patient volume because the slice count minimizes scan times.
- 64-Slice CT – The best CT scanners for trauma, cardiac, and other high-volume imaging centers that want to save time.
- 128-Slice CT – This CT scanner can scan the whole body with 3D images of any organ in seconds. This explains why you mostly see them in cardiac and medical research institutions.
Tube type and usage
The x-ray tube, also known as 'glass' or 'tube,' is the CT scanner's energy source. This component does not work for a long time, and replacing the tube is compulsory for every CT scanner. Like a lightbulb, the tube has a short lifespan and is unpredictable. The lifespan will depend on the make, model, and usage. When buying a
, confirm the tube usage, measured in scan seconds and mAs.
Support and service
Buying a CT scanner is the first step, and maintaining it is the other. In the initial buying of the machine, the buying price includes a 1-year part and labor service. The ongoing service is treated as a line item that offers more flexibility. Even when buying a refurbished CT scanner for sale, ensure it includes a 30-day guarantee. These services could include;
- Parts only
- Time and materials
- Full parts and labor
Many buyers have their systems under an existing service contract, including a multi-vendor, OEM service provider, Independent Service Providers, etc. Even though there are many options available, always try to find the help you deserve.
CT rotation speed
The gantry’s rotation speed of a CT scanner means that the system has a faster temporal resolution to minimize motion blur. This is vital for checking the heart and parts around the lungs. Current CT scanners have a rotation speed under 300 milliseconds, while older ones were around 400-500. The slower speeds of old CT scanners meant that a machine with a 320-slice rate did not capture the best images because of blurriness from motion.