Your Guide to Medical Imaging Equipment

For accuracy, fewer recalls, and clarity in dense breast tissue, 3D mammography is the top of the line. However, those who are looking for top-tier technology like this won't find just one option when they take to the market to find their next system. A number of offerings from Hologic, GE, Siemens, Fuji, and others are available either new or on the secondary market.

To help buyers looking for 3D mammo narrow down their options, we'll compare two options they're likely to come across in their search: the Dimensions 3D from Hologic and the Pristina from GE.

At present, two of the more prominent players in digital mammography are GE and Hologic. If you're in the market for a digital mammo system, you won't get very far into your product homework before seeing both of these names surface.

For those of you that are considering the secondary market for a late-model, large-detector mammo unit, the latest used systems that you're likely to find from these manufacturers are the Senographe Essential from GE and the Selenia from Hologic. To help you learn more, we've compiled a side-by-side comparison of some of the key features of these systems.

When GE developed their Senographe 2000D mammography system and their XR/d X-ray room, they partnered with Silicon Valley's Sun Microsystems (acquired in 2010 by Oracle) to provide workstations for both machines. The particular workstation in both of these cases was the Sun Ultra 10.

The Ultra 10 is a reliable platform but, just like any computer slogging through the day-in/day-out of a crowded patient schedule, there comes a point where a replacement will be necessary. 

Below, we'll break down the different types of Ultra 10 workstations, what causes them to fail, and the solution when you experience workstation failure on your 2000D or XR/d.

Purchasing digital mammography equipment is a significant capital equipment expenditure. This is especially true if you don't consider the options and the savings available on the secondary market. Digital systems from some of the most prominent manufacturers in women's health are available refurbished at significantly lower prices than buying new,

The video below reveals current average pricing for the most popular digital mammography equipment available on the secondary market from both GE and Hologic. Pricing includes delivery, installation, and a one-year service agreement for domestic buyers.

Click here for a custom quote on digital mammography systems.

As you consider purchasing or begin using any sort of X-ray equipment, it goes (almost) without saying that maintenance and parts replacements will, on occasion, be an essential part of your ownership experience.

To help those of you who've chosen the GE Senographe 2000D manage your expectations, we've gathered the following details on tube life expectancy and common signs of impending failure. This information comes from the experiences of our field engineers and our customers. We've also included pricing information based on current averages in the parts market.