2024 CT SCANNER PRICE GUIDE

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.

Entry Level

Affordable Excellence

$80k-$100k

Basic CT Scan
GE LightSpeed 16
GE BrightSpeed 16
GE Optima 520 & 540

Highest Cost Savings

Intermediate

Optimized Precision

$120k-$160k

64 -Slice Scanners
GE LightSpeed VCT 64
Philips Brilliance 64
Toshiba Aquilion 64

Premium

Luxury in Imaging Technology

$200k-$300K

Feature-Rich, Late-Model
GE Optima 660
GE Discovery 750HD
Toshiba Aquilion One
Toshiba Aquilion Prime

WHICH CT PRICE TIER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Selecting the best scanner for your healthcare facility is not a one-size-fits-all process. Various factors should be considered:

  • Cost and lifecycle expenses
  • Image quality and capabilities
  • Radiation dosage
  • Speed and patient throughput

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.

 

ENTRY-LEVEL

  • 16-slice to lower end 64-slice
  • Lower purchase price
  • Lower ownership costs
  • Lower service costs
  • Local imaging center, rural hospital, basic non-cardiac focused

INTERMEDIATE 

  • High-end 64-slice
  • Minimum for cardiac and lung studies
  • Most cost-effective for hospitals of all sizes, general purpose, mostly cardiac 

PREMIUM

  • High-end 64, 128, 256, 320 slice
  • More definition and clarity in images
  • Wider imaging array
  • Enter the heart or majority of the lung in one scan 

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A REFURBISHED CT SCANNER?

CT FROM GE, PHILIPS, & MORE

As you browse the pricing above, keep in mind that costs vary according to several factors: 

  • System/component age
  • Slice count
  • Software features

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!

GE LightSpeed 16-3
 

WHAT IS A CT SCANNER?

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. 

 

WHAT IS A CT SCANNER USED FOR?

CT machines are equipped to identify diseases and injuries throughout the body. Healthcare facilities use CT machines for a variety of medical purposes including:

  • Bone and joint imaging
  • Cancer detection and staging
  • Guidance for interventional surgeries
  • Pulmonary imaging
  • Diagnostic imaging

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.


HOW ARE CT SCANNERS AND MRI MACHINES DIFFERENT?

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.


IS A CT SCANNER MORE OR LESS EXPENSIVE THAN AN MRI MACHINE
?

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. 

What Does Slice Count Mean for a CT Scanner?

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. 

Single Slice

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.  

Multi-slice

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. 

Slice Counts by Model & Manufacturer

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MicrosoftTeams-image (2)-3

 

MicrosoftTeams-image (3)-2

Air-Cooled CT Scanners vs. Water-Cooled CT Scanners

 Fan

Air Cooled

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

Water Cooled

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.) 

More CT Resources

Visit the Block Imaging learning center for more CT-related blogs, videos, and guides.

 

FREE CT Buyer’s Guide 

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: 

  • Which features do I really need on my next CT scanner? 
  • How much is this CT scanner really going to cost me? 
  • How do I pick the right vendor? 

Click the button below to become a CT expert - no contact information is required! 

Click here to download your guide

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