Your Guide to Medical Imaging Equipment

This is a common question for us and, generally, we begin our answer with a little clarification: The VCT 32 and VCT 64 only come with two table sizes, medium or long. Much of the confusion comes from casual references to "short" tables (by which the speaker actually means the medium table) and also GE's decision to designate one of them as "medium", which implies to the layperson that there is a third "short" size.

Interestingly enough, the medium table is technically the standard table for the VCT series, with the long table being optional. Even so, in the secondary marketplace we come across long tables much more frequently than medium. Because of this peculiarity, and because table length can make a difference in your facility's clinical capabilities, we're going to share with you why your VCT table length matters, and how you can tell which one you're looking at - without getting out your tape measure.

Your GE CT's data and reconstruction computer (DARC) is a crucial component of its reconstruction chain. The DARC gathers the high speed data stream from the detector's data acquisition system (DAS) cards through a DAS interface processor (DIP) and stores and transfers it for reconstruction in the image generator (IG) computers that reconstruct images from the data.Your DARC also handles the voice/audio controls to the gantry via an external box on the left side of console, and the scan control interface module (SCIM) – the control pad the the operator uses to initiate scanning. All that to say: no DARC = no pictures.

Below, we'll share with you the vital statistics of owning a DARC so that you can know what to expect from this component and be better prepared to minimize downtime in the event of a DARC failure.

Need a DARC or other GE CT part now? Click here to request and see pricing.

When it comes to service and maintenance for a CT scanner, the most important item to keep tabs on is the tube. On any CT, the tube is a part that will need to be replaced periodically .Coincidentally, it's also one of the most expensive to replace.

If you're scanning with a Siemens Sensation 64, you're using Siemens' proprietary Straton Z tube. Below, we'll share with you the average lifespan, average replacement cost, and part number of the Straton Z CT tube.

Need a Straton Z now? Click here for price and availability.

If you own or are considering the purchase of an air-cooled CT scanner from Philips' Brilliance product line, you should know that the vast majority of these systems come equipped with an MRC 600 or an MRC 800 X-ray tube. In terms of the lifespan you can expect to see from these tubes, this is great news for you and the technicians who run/will run your Philips Brilliance on a day-to-day basis.

Below, we'll share with you the typical life expectancy and replacement cost of both the MRC 600 and MRC 800 CT tubes.

Need an MRC 600 or MRC 800 tube now? Click here to request one!