It's a question we've heard from cath lab equipment and parts buyers over and over: "How long can I expect my cath lab's X-ray tube to last?" Some of the people asking have no point of reference for X-ray tube lifespans. Others wonder if they can compare their cath tube to the lifespan they see in their facility's CT tubes, measured in milliamp seconds or scan seconds. Unfortunately, most cath labs don’t track tube usage in the same way as other modalities, and there isn't a way to know for sure just when a tube will reach the end of its useful life. Still, through experience and awareness of tube usage, there are some rough averages that emerge.

When we talk to buyers looking into their first C-arm purchase, we're commonly asked questions about the power requirements of the equipment. For a first time buyer, this makes perfect sense- no one wants a significant capital investment to arrive on their doorstep, and not be able to use it.

To help clear this question up, we gathered electrical spec for the six most common OEC C-arm systems we offer. Hear about it in the brief video clip below and, for future reference, bookmark this page for the spec chart at the end!

• OEC 6600
• OEC 6800
• OEC 8800
• OEC 9600
• OEC 9800
• OEC 9900

The Philips Allura FD20 and FD10 may be similar in appearance at a glance, but they are very different machines in a number of ways. The main difference between them is the work they are used for. The FD10 is primarily a cardiac system. It does have some options that may allow for light peripheral work, but cardiac studies are what it was designed for. The FD20 was designed, when equipped with the appropriate software, to handle a much broader spectrum of applications, including (but not limited to): angio, cardiac, neuro, and vascular.

To keep you better informed about where each of these systems shines, we've compiled a short list of the most relevant similarities and differences between the FD10 and the FD20 below.

People frequently ask us what, if any, requirements have been set for X-ray shielding in rooms where C-arms are in use. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to the question.

Regulations for shielding during C-arm use vary across a number of factors, including site location, location of the C-arm within the site, and the type of usage the C-arm will see. Some states don't require any shielding at all, but have other requirements that must be met. Take Texas, for instance: a C-arm doesn't need to be shielded, but its dose must be monitored for a year after installation. Other states, like Ohio, require a physicist to visit your site and advise specific shielding measures for your individual building.

Because there are no across-the-board regulations for C-arm shielding, we put together a few "rule of thumb" recommendations for new C-arm owners in the example below and the short video that follows.

Block Imaging continues to expand in providing refurbished imaging equipment, parts, and service with the acquisition of Platinum X-Ray Solutions, an imaging field service organization serving the Houston, TX and Dallas, TX areas. This growth in field service manpower means even better response times and equipment uptime for Block Imaging clients in the region. It also brings expanded parts inventory and engineering capabilities to the existing Platinum customer base in Texas.