2 min read
Siemens Sensation CT vs. Siemens Emotion CT
Those in the market for a refurbished Siemens CT scanner...
Average cost ranges for CT scanners in 2024. The cost of U.S. delivery, installation, and first-year service coverage is included in the recommended price range.
Affordable Excellence
Basic CT Scan
GE LightSpeed 16
GE BrightSpeed 16
GE Optima 520 & 540
Optimized Precision
64 -Slice Scanners
GE LightSpeed VCT 64
Philips Brilliance 64
Toshiba Aquilion 64
Luxury in Imaging Technology
Feature-Rich, Late-Model
GE Optima 660
GE Discovery 750HD
Toshiba Aquilion One
Toshiba Aquilion Prime
Selecting the best scanner for your healthcare facility is not a one-size-fits-all process. Various factors should be considered:
Watch this brief video breakdown to determine which price tier offers the scanning capabilities, patient comfort, and serviceability you need. Below are the typical features of each price tier.
As you browse the pricing above, keep in mind that costs vary according to several factors:
Once you have a better idea of your budget restrictions, check out our free CT Buyer's Guide to learn about the next steps in your CT scanner project.
Have questions? Reach out to our team of experts who will be happy to assist you!
A computed tomography (CT) scan, uses X-rays and computer software to view the inside of a patient’s body. The signals are processed by the machine's computer to produce cross-sectional images, often referred to as "slices".
These tomographic images offer clinicians more detailed information compared to conventional x-rays.
During use, the machine directs a narrow beam of X-rays at the patient as it rapidly rotates around the body. As it collects a series of slices, the computer digitally "stacks" them together, creating a three-dimensional (3D) image of the patient.
CT machines are equipped to identify diseases and injuries throughout the body. Healthcare facilities use CT machines for a variety of medical purposes including:
These scans have provided massive advancements in the detection of tumors, blood clots, and brain and spinal injuries.
There are also cardiac-specific scanners that identify and prevent artery blockages and heart disease.
CTs and MRIs offer imaging scans that capture visuals of various parts of patients' bodies.
The biggest distinction lies in their imaging methods and the duration of the scanning process.
MRI machines utilize magnetic fields and radio waves for image acquisition. Whereas CT scanners employ X-rays and computer software for both image capture and visualization.
MRI machines excel in soft tissue contrast and are suitable for both neurological and musculoskeletal imaging.
CT scanners are effective for imaging bones and detecting acute conditions. The choice between them depends on the specific diagnostic needs and considerations for each facility and patient.
For an in-depth comparison, check out MRI vs. CT scan: Unveiling the Difference.
CT scanners tend to come in at a lower cost than MRI machines, and the time to conduct studies is vastly different. Their studies can take 10-20 minutes, while MRI machines can sometimes take upwards of 90 minutes to complete.
One of the most important aspects of your CT decision will be your system’s slice count.
A CT’s slice count represents the number of two-dimensional anatomical cross-sections captured in an individual rotation. These cross-sections can be used to create a three-dimensional rendering of the anatomy being studied.
Common slice counts on used and refurbished CTs include 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and sometimes 128, 256, or 320. Keep in mind, the higher the slice count, the higher up-front costs and service costs come into play.
Consider single slice the “old school” way of obtaining CT scans. Invented in 1972, single-slice CT scanners house one x-ray source and one single detector.
It was the starting point for CT scans, and gradually made its way off the scan option list with its high radiation exposure, low image quality, and slow performance.
As the technology of CT scanners developed further post-1980s, the multi-slice scanner was born. Multi-slice CT scanners house multiple detectors that are placed next to each other to collect multiple-slice data at the same time.
As slice counts increase, the amount of time required to complete a scan goes down. This helps patient flow go smoother, can increase the overall throughput at a facility, and can lead to more reimbursement revenue by volume.
Air-cooled systems rely on open ventilation through the external covers of the gantry via fans. Some advantages of this cooling type include:
• No concerns over water quality
• A lower amount of preventative maintenance
• No need to purchase/maintain an external chiller unit
• Smaller footprint, fewer cabinets
Water-cooled systems rely on external chillers plumbed to a nearby water source. Some advantages of this cooling type include:
• Fewer concerns involving inconsistent humidity or ambient temperature
• Do not require additional HVAC accommodations for the room itself
• Quieter, more comfortable scanning room
• Cleaner gantry (fans tend to pull in dust, hair, etc.)
Visit the Block Imaging learning center for more CT-related blogs, videos, and guides.
Use this step-by-step guide to successfully start planning your next CT project.
Discover how to answer the 3 most important CT buying questions:
Click the button below to become a CT expert - no contact information is required!
Aug 30, 2023 by Paul Crawford
Those in the market for a refurbished Siemens CT scanner...
Jul 25, 2023 by Chad Seelye
When it comes to service and maintenance for a CT scanner,...
Apr 27, 2023 by Kevin Scharer
If you're in the market for a CT scanner, you've more than...