A Guide to Buying a CT Scanner for Your Hospital/Clinic or ...

Introduction

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Computed Tomography (CT) scanners are sophisticated imaging device that utilize X-rays and advanced computing technology to generate detailed cross-sectional images of organs and tissues.

In this guide, I&#;ll explore the diverse types of CT scanners, their applications, and why they are indispensable tools for hospitals and clinics seeking cutting-edge diagnostic capabilities.

 

Uses of CT Scanners

CT scanners are used to:

·        Obtain detailed images of the brain, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

·        Diagnose and monitor conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and trauma.

·        Guide surgical planning and interventions.

·        Screen for certain diseases and abnormalities.

 

Components of a CT Scanner

The main components are:

·        A bench the patient can lie down on

·        A gantry

·        A data acquisition system

·        An operating console

 

Types of Scans CT scanners Can Do

There are different types of CT scanners that use varying technologies and applications to meet specific diagnostic needs and medical requirements.

 

Multislice CT (MSCT)

Multislice CT employs multiple detector rows to capture multiple slices simultaneously, producing detailed cross-sectional images of the body. This technique enables faster scan times, improving efficiency in diagnosing various conditions, including vascular diseases, trauma, and cancer.

 

Electron Beam Tomography (EBT)

Electron Beam Tomography utilizes an electron beam as the radiation source, enabling extremely fast scan times. Primarily used for cardiac imaging, EBT excels in capturing dynamic structures, providing high-resolution images that aid in coronary artery assessments, calcium scoring, and cardiac function evaluation.

 

CT Myelography

CT Myelography combines CT scanning with the injection of contrast material into the spinal canal, enhancing visualization of the spinal cord and nerve roots. This technique is valuable for diagnosing spinal cord abnormalities, disc herniations, and other spinal conditions.

 

CT Angiography (CTA)

CT Angiography involves the injection of contrast material to visualize blood vessels and assess blood flow. This non-invasive technique is widely used to diagnose vascular diseases, such as aneurysms, stenosis, and embolisms, providing detailed 3D images for precise evaluation and treatment planning.

 

The Cost of a PET Scanner

Several factors determine the cost of this machine. Some of these factors, along with their associated costs, include:

Acquisition: Used lower slice CT machines can cost as low as $35,000, while brand new higher slice CT scanners can cost as much as $2.5 million.

Delivery and installation: Planning the site to ensure it meets federal and state regulations may cost between $20,000 and $40,000 in the US.

Operating costs: On average, it may cost you about $100,000 a year to operate the scanner.

Energy usage: You may pay from $50 to $3,000 per month depending on the model and the patient volume.

Maintenance, repairs, and spare parts: The cost may range from $ to $10,000 per month, depending on the machine&#;s power.

Other factors that could influence how much a CT scanner costs include:

·        The brand

·        Tube

·        Number of slices produced

·        Whether it&#;s a new, used, or refurbished machine

 

*Note: Prices are accurate as of the publication date.

 

Factors to Consider When Buying a CT Scanner

Before investing in a new or refurbished CT scanner, consider these important factors:

Tech and Specs

The slice count, determined by gantry rotation, sets systems apart. Common configurations include 16-slice for general studies and 64-slice, an industry standard enabling advanced scans like cardiac and perfusion studies.

Premium systems offer 128, 256, 320+ slices, leveraging advanced detectors and software for detailed images in specialized applications.

 

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Software Set

Modern CT scanners derive capabilities from both hardware and software. Aligning your clinic's needs with the ideal balance of technical specifications and value is crucial for an informed purchase decision.

 

Tube Type and Usage

The x-ray tube, often referred to as the "glass," serves as the energy source for a CT scanner. Similar to an incandescent light bulb, it has a limited but unpredictable lifespan influenced by usage, make, and model. When considering a refurbished CT scanner, inquire about tube usage, typically measured in mAs or scan seconds.

 

Used, Refurbished, or Brand-New CT Scanner?: Refurbished units offer a lower upfront price, while used scanners may be pricier but potentially in better condition, depending on the supplier. Although a brand-new scanner is the best option, budget constraints may lead to a practical choice of a well-conditioned refurbished or used unit. Remember to check specifications before finalizing your purchase.

 

Support and Service

After purchasing a CT scanner, maintenance becomes vital. New equipment typically comes with a 1-year parts and labor service agreement. Refurbished options may provide a 30-day guarantee with flexible service choices: full parts and labor, parts only, and time and materials. You can include your refurbished system in an existing service contract, whether it's a multi-vendor, OEM service, or Independent Service Provider (ISO) contract.

 

References

Patel PR and De Jesus O. CT Scan. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK/

Garvey CJ & Hanlon R. Computed tomography in clinical practice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC/

Taubmann O, et al. Computed Tomography. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK/

Hermena S & Young M. CT-scan Image Production Procedures. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK/

Food and Drug Administration. Computed Tomography (CT). https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-x-ray-imaging/computed-tomography-ct

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Computed Tomography (CT). https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/computed-tomography-ct

Amber Diagnostics. How much does a CT machine cost? https://www.amberusa.com/blog/how-much-does-ct-machine-cost/

Meridian Group International. 5 Factors to Consider When Buying a New or Refurbished CT Scanner. https://www.themeridian.com/en/company/blog/5-factors-to-consider-when-buying-a-new-or-refurbished-ct-scanner

 

Author Bio

Isaac Nunoofio leverages his 10+ years of experience as a health and medical writer for hire to help doctors, medical consultants and other health professionals, hospitals/clinics, and healthcare companies struggling with their messaging. His expertise lies in helping health professionals and businesses grow their audience, engage effectively, and ultimately boost sales.

If you want him to create content for you, message him on LinkedIn now!

#writerforhire #B2Bmedtechwriter #medicalwriter #healthwriter

The Toshiba Aquilion One Vision system is among the new generation of CT systems on the market that offers several dose lowering technologies and a hardware/software combination to enhance image quality over previous-generation scanners.

As hospitals begin replacing their first-generation 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanners after a decade of use, there are several considerations evaluation teams should think about when looking at the newer-generation scanners. Chief among these is the idea that more slices makes for a better scanner &#; which CT experts say is not necessarily the case. There are costs versus benefits to consider when looking at high-slice systems.

&#;The way you need to look at this is that the CT scanner is a tool, and you need the right tool for the right job, so it will depend on the hospital and what they plan to use it for,&#; said Claudio Smuclovisky, M.D., FACC, FSCCT, director of South Florida Imaging Cardiovascular Institute, Holy Cross Hospital, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and an expert in cardiovascular CT imaging systems.

&#;CT is really on the precipice and is really starting to accelerate in growth,&#; said Leslee Shaw, Ph.D., FACC, FASNC, FAHA, co-director of the Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute. &#;If you blink your eyes, you have missed several very prominent, randomized trials that support the utility of CT&#; We have more than just the pretty picture, we have seen dramatic growth in the technical aspects of CT with better image quality, better resolution, and we can go on and on.&#; She said all of these aspects are especially true for cardiovascular CT imaging. 

Watch the video &#;What to Consider When Comparing 64-slice to Higher Slice CT Systems,&#; an interview with Claudio Smuclovisky at SCCT. 

CT Coverage Area Versus Slices

Smuclovisky said there is a misunderstanding that more slices on a CT scanner means better images. He said a better measure is actually detector area coverage, which is the measurement of how much of the anatomy is being imaged at once. The more image area that can be covered determines if stitching several sets of images is needed to image an entire organ. This can lead to stitching artifacts and may require more time to reconstruct and review images, he said. This is especially true with movement caused by the heart or lungs. 

Detector area coverage can vary between scanners with the same number of slices, because Smuclovisky explained the size of the detectors vary in size on each machine. In the case of 64-slice systems, he said they can range between 19.5 to 40 mm (4 cm) for detector area coverage. He said a system is considered a wide-area detector if it has 8 cm coverage or greater. 

Wide detector systems tend to have a higher sensitivity, offer better iterative reconstruction software to improve both contrast and spatial resolutions, and they tend to have more powerful workstations, Smuclovisky explained. 

&#;Most physicians don&#;t have detailed knowledge of the physics or the technology that is involved. So, a slice war started 10 years ago because people believed that if you had more slices, you would have better quality images," Smuclovisky said. "But, there are other components when you are doing high-end CT imaging. I tell people it is like looking at an airplane, where for the airplane to fly, it is not just how big the wings or fuselage are, it is the sum of all of its components. This includes the engines and the experience of the pilots &#; everything needs to fit together nicely and work together in a workflow so that plane can fly. So, it is not just about the slices, it is about many other components that go into a CT scanner.&#;

CT Rotation Speed

One key feature of scanners is the rotation speed of the gantry, which translates into faster temporal resolution to reduce motion blur, which is especially important with the heart and areas near the lungs. Today, rotational speed is under 300 milliseconds in some of the newer scanners, but it was 400-500 with older-generation systems. Smuclovisky said the slower speeds of the older systems meant that even a first-generation 320-slice scanner with a rotation rate of 500 milliseconds did not capture the best possible images because there could be blurring from motion. 

Patient Volume and Cardiac CT Considerations

&#;You don&#;t just want to focus on the amount of slices, but on these other components and the workflow. The question should be how good is the quality of the images, and the goal should be to have 95 percent of the images to have a fast, efficient workflow and be high diagnostic quality studies,&#; Smuclovisky explained.
   
He said 64-slice CT systems have become the standard workhorse scanners, and are a minimum standard to perform cardiovascular CT angiography (CTA). The institution needs to look at the patient volumes it expects and decide if a standard 64-slice system is adequate. If they are a higher-volume center, a wider area detector (256-, 320-, 640-slice scanners) might be better because of its ability to scan patients much more quickly. However, Smuclovisky said while a center can achieve faster patient throughput with a wider area detector, the trade-off is a system that costs significantly more and may incur higher maintenance costs. 

&#;What I would recommend, is if a center plans to do very few cardiac CTs, then a 64-slice system with the newest technologies is more than adequate,&#; he explained. &#;But if a center is looking for a system to do a lot of cardiac CTs and they plan to market cardiac CT for their center, it is wise to look for a wider detector where they can consistently do high-quality imaging and also have an effective workflow. At the end of the day, you need an efficient workflow, where you can get patients in and off the table in 10-15 minutes.&#;

Reducing Dose With Newer CT Systems

There have been a number of studies showing the rapid increase in the public&#;s radiation exposure mainly due to increased use of medical imaging, particularly CT. A handful of high-profile cases in mainstream media about radiation poisoning and burns due to extremely high CT doses have also made dose a major concern. Vendors have responded in recent years by introducing technologies to greatly reduce CT dose. 

&#;There is no other imaging technology that has put as much effort into making CT a safe technology for us today while maintaining image quality,&#; Shaw said.

Cardiac CT exams have historically had the highest dose of any CT exam performed, with average doses of 15 millisievert (mSv) or higher. These scans can now be performed with doses of 1 mSv or less on the latest equipment in some patients. &#;But in patients who are symptomatic for cardiac disease, I don&#;t think it is wise to compromise image quality for dose,&#; Smuclovisky said. From that perspective, he said it might be more reasonable to expect average doses below 5 mSv. His center has an average dose of about 3 mSv for cardiac exams. Shaw said a target dose range for cardiac CT with the newest scanners should be around 3 mSv or below. 

&#;I think it is important to understand the differences and to consider the newer technologies, particularly from a safety point-of-view to do very low-dose imaging,&#; Shaw said. If a hospital tends to have a large, obese patient population, dose-lowering technologies can help significantly reduce CT dose. &#;The exposures we are using today for CTs of obese patients are not where they could be with the newer technologies that are now available,&#; she added.

Shaw added that new CT systems also should be a selling point to patients in the community to promote the hospital as being on the cutting edge of imaging technology.

&#;There is a lot of concern today about the overuse of CT and overexposure of patients to radiation,&#; she said. &#;So, having that as a marketing piece that you are very concerned about patient-centered imaging and safety, and that you are using new technology to decrease dose &#; that is something you can make a great business case for. Or, to tell people that you are updating your technology to look for precisely for improved patient care.&#; 

 

CT Image Resolution is Improving

Smuclovisky said detailed images of smaller anatomical structures are dependent on the spatial resolution of the CT system being used. Today, the spatial resolution of most scanners is about 0.50, but vendors are working on detector/software combinations to reduce this. At SCCT , Toshiba showed images from a prototype scanner that has a spatial resolution of 0.25. At a 0.50 resolution, radiologists can tell there is a stent in a vessel, but it is often very blurry. With the 0.25 images, individual stent struts are visible and a reader can tell the specific vendor&#;s stent used and may be able to see broken stent struts. 

The type of iterative reconstruction software is also important. Smuclovisky said the latest model-based iterative reconstruction software can help boost both spatial resolution and the contrast.  

Other CT Scanner Considerations 

Smuclovisky said other aspects of scanners are important, including the sensitivity of the detectors in capturing photons. The more efficient they are, the lower the dose required to create diagnostic-quality images. He said how the image data is post-processed also is important.  

Iterative reconstruction software is important for lowering dose and improving image quality, but it is important for people evaluating new scanners to understand how this software works and what kind of iterative software comes with the CT scanner. 

Workstations also need to be powerful enough to handle the workload of quickly processing thousands of images. Smuclovisky said there also is the question of whether these image datasets will be read on-site or off-site, which may impact the speed at which the data can be transferred.  

 

Watch the video &#;The Future of Cardiac CT in the Next Decade,&#; an interview with Leslee Shaw at SCCT .

 

 

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