HOW TO PICK A

CT SCANNER
- A guide to your next system
Ebook | 2021
 1. INTRODUCTION 3

Table of 2. MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CT AND MRI 4

Content 3. PREMIUM CT BRANDS 6

4. CT SCANNER SLICES 7
TOPICS TO BE COVERED 5. HOW MUCH DOES A CT COST 11

6. TUBE COUNT 12

7. AIR AND WATER COOLED CT SCANNERS 13

8. CT WORKSTATIONS 15

9. USED, REFURBISHED OR NEW 16

10. SUM UP 17
Introduction
CT scanners are often compared to MRI scanners.
Therefore, the first subject we will cover in this guide
is CT vs MRI, to check that you actually need a CT
rather than an MRI.
In this guide, we offer a comprehensive overview of
the factors you may consider when purchasing a CT
scanner.
So, how to choose the right one?

You need to consider a variety of factors:

When to use MRI vs CT scanners

Brand
How many slices
Applications
How much does a CT cost
X-ray tube and tube count
Air vs Water cooled CT scanner

Each of which has a chapter in this e-book.

CT scanners are used to capture images within the

human body. To produce these images, CT scanners
utilize X-rays.

This exposes the patients to small amount of

radiation. However, the benefits of a CT scan weigh
up the little harm of the radiation.

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 Main Differences Between
CT Scanner MRI Scanner
Diagnose injuries from trauma Diagnose tendon and ligament injury

Determine location and size of a tumor Detect and evaluate spinal cord issue

Determine cancer stages Evaluate soft tissue in more detail

Diagnose infections Monitor brain tumors

Detect location of blood clots Examine complicated abnormalities

of the abdomen
Diagnose conditions of lungs and heart

Identify vague abdominal problems

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Frequently, CT and MRI are used With MRI scanners, radiologists can Another difference between the two is
to image the same body area. detect bone marrow issues and examination speed. A CT exam is faster,
However, each provides different distinguish between yellow (fatty) typically 1 to 20 minutes. On the contrary, MRI
information about the region of marrow and red (hematopoietic) examinations range from 5 minutes and up to an
interest. marrow, thanks to the water and fat hour. Furthermore, MRIs are noisy, and patients
separation ability of the MRI. generally find them uncomfortable. And their
Bone imaging is a good example. deeper tube can be claustrophobic.
To examine bones, you typically In some cases, doctors may recommend
use a regular X-ray that creates 2D an MRI scan if the CT scan is unable to We hope you got an answer to what the
images or a CT scanner when you provide all the needed information. benefits of a CT scanner and differences
need to do a 3D bone imaging. between MRI and CT scan machines are.
For example, in case of some cancers,
However, when examining bone like cervical or bladder cancer, an MRI Coming up is CT scanner brands.
marrow, MRI scanners will be the may better show how deep the tumor
best at detecting abnormalities. has grown into body tissues.

5 | CHAPTER 2 - CT VS MRI
 Remember to tell, if you are used to working with a
specific model or simply have a strong personal brand
preference. Then you make sure to get the best guidance.

Premium CT Brands
Some of the most common CT scanner series on the
used market are Aquilion and Activion from Toshiba,
Somatom Emotion, Sensation, and Definition from
Siemens, BrightSpeed, Discovery, LightSpeed, and
A brief overview of the main CT manufacturers Optima from GE, and finally, Ingenuity and Brilliance
from Philips.

The main brands are Canon (former If you, at some point,

Toshiba), Siemens, GE, and Philips. need a spare part, you
can easily find it, as
All these brands have been supplying long as you have a CT
high quality CT scanners for years scan from one of the
and the value of their used systems is main brands.
high.

CT scanners from these brands are In many cases, we

installed worldwide and for this have the part in stock,
reason, you should be able to find a or we will be able to
local service provider. Some get it through our
countries have a strong presence of a trusted network
certain OEM and that should be a within 1-3 days.
consideration when choosing
between brands.

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CT Scanner Slices
How many do you need?

This is a more in-depth More and more we also see The main effect of the slice count is on the time it
overview of number of slices. CT scanners with 256, and takes to perform a CT scan.
A specification that is usually 320-slices.
relevant very early in the The pros of a CT scanner with a higher number of
purchasing process, as number Systems with 4 to 8-slices slices are:
of slices is closely linked to the are still found in the used
type of exams that can be market but they are now • Reduced scan times
performed. becoming increasingly rare, • Higher patient throughput
as they are not widely • Lower radiation doses
In the used market, the most produced anymore.
• More detailed images with less artifacts
common available slice counts
include 16, 32, 64, and 128. • Better for advanced imaging, such as cardiac

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 Nevertheless, higher number of slices also means higher
price. And if you only perform routine studies, the extra
cost is most likely not worth it. For many facilities, a lower
slice count model with lower cost is a sound investment.

Therefore, when deciding on a CT slice count, make sure to

keep the balance between your clinical needs, your patient
flow targets, and your budget.

Let's look into the detail at the individual slice counts, from
4-slice to 320-slice CT scanners.

Slice and Model Overview

4 and 8 slices 16 slices

A 4- or 8-slice CT scanner is a good choice if you run a veterinarian The 16-slice is a commonly used CT scanner. It is the
clinic or a department with a low number of patients and do not have first choice of many clinics and radiology departments
a big need for fast diagnosis. where patient flow is steady. These units are great for
general studies.
These scanners are among the cheapest on the market, but also A scan performed by a 16-slice CT scanner is faster than
perform scans slower than CTs with higher slices. That is because the 4- or 8-slice. That makes the 16-slice suitable for
they can scan and detect only a small part of the body. urgent care centers and ERs where time is a factor – but
also for busy imaging facilities.
Furthermore, they are less powerful. And thus, they have a slightly
reduced sensitivity in their diagnostic capabilities – but are suitable
for follow-up procedures where time is not a factor.

8 | CHAPTER 4 - CT SCAN SLICES

 32 and 40 slices +128 slices

The 32- and 40-slice scanners are usually found in similar The top-notch models, ranging from 128
situations and facilities as the 16-slice. to 320 slices, can provide whole body
scans in merely seconds, while providing
The difference is that the 32- and 40-slice scanners provide an incredibly sharp 3D image of any
more coverage per gantry rotation, and thus, reduce scan times organ.
compared to the 16-slice. Therefore, the image is not
influenced by motion artifacts to the same extent. The capabilities of these scanners are
often excessive in a general imaging
However, the price of a 32- and 40-slice is a bit higher. facility. Therefore, they are usually found
supporting specialty practices, such as
cardiac departments, research facilities,
or where the volume of patients is high.
64 slices

A 64-slice CT is standard for hospitals and imaging centers.

Thanks to the reduced scan times and progressive technology,
advanced studies, such as cardiac, can be performed.

The speed and accuracy that comes with the 64-slice scanner
makes it suitable for practices with moderate to high patient
throughput.

Regarding cardiology, a 64-slice can perform CT angio that does

not require cardiac catheterization. Therefore, the system can
save the facility valuable time and money. The downside is the
increased initial cost of the machine.

9 | CHAPTER 4 - CT SCAN SLICES

Slice Sum Up
Knowing the procedures, your system will However, certain exams, like cardiac, rely on higher slice counts to deliver
perform will help you determine what CT is best sufficient image quality.
for you.
Therefore, if you do cardiac exams or advanced brain studies, get a CT
All CTs can perform general imaging procedures, scanner with a greater number of slices, starting at 64-slice CT scanners.
eg. abdominal, chest and head exams, as well as
scanning for fractures. Hence, if you want to do Be aware that more slices will increase image quality but also the cost of
general imaging, you can use any CT scanner. purchasing these models.

For an easy overview of applications in relation to slices see this table:

4-8 16-32 64 128 256+

General
Yes
Imaging

Trauma - Basic - No

Vascular Limited

Cardio - Limited Basic Excellent

10 | CHAPTER 4 - CT SCAN SLICES

 Prices of used CT scanners varies greatly. It does have a
strong correlation to a number of slices, but other important

How Much Does a

factors are demand, age, and more.

The cost of a CT on the used market ranges from 35.000 to

more than 250.000 euros. Get an overview in the table below.

CT Scanner Cost? Some of the other factors influencing the CT prices are:
Brand
Age
Tube count
Accessories such as workstation and injector
Installation and warranty

Price Overview
Prices are in euros, for used systems, and for systems only - do not include warranty, installation, etc.

4-8 slices 16-32 slices 64 slices 128 slices 256+ slices

Price 35-60.000 60-100.000 90-130.000 120-180.000 150 -250.000+

11 | CHAPTER 5 - COST
 Tube Count
An X-ray tube is a crucial part of a CT scanner, and costly to replace. A new tube can
cost from 50.000 to 150.000 euro.

Therefore, tube condition influences CT price. A system is cheaper with a more heavily
used tube, but also has a bit higher risk of an impending cost. A newer tube equals less
risk and a higher price.

Tube condition is generally assessed with tube count, which can be measured in the
following ways:

Total patient exams

Clicks/counts
Scan seconds
mAs (milliampere seconds)
Learn more about each in our dedicated blog post.

X-ray tubes are defined by the amount of heat they can withstand, measured in MHU
(Mega Heat Unit). The larger the MHU, the more exams it can perform.

MHU assists in estimating how long a CT

tube will last. A 7 MHU tube can last more A Good Tip
than 150 million mAs, while a 4 MHU tube Before you begin your CT
lasts approximately 70-100 million mAs. scanning schedule, do a
These are average figures and may vary tube warm up. This will
depending on the manufacturer. raise the temperature in
the tube gradually,
Next chapter is on differences between prevent damage due to
air-cooled and water-cooled CT scanners. temperature shock, and
hereby increase tube life.

12 | CHAPTER 6 - TUBES
Air-Cooled
vs Water-Cooled
Another factor to consider when choosing a CT scanner is its type of cooling system. There are
many moving parts inside, and thus, heat is generated quickly. CTs are generally designed to
handle approximately 100 kW of power in the tube and a high patient load. And their cooling
system is important to ensure that the system is running optimally.

There are two types of cooling systems. The most widely used is air cooling, but you can also get
water-cooled models, mainly from Siemens and Philips. An example of water-cooled systems is
the Siemens Sensation line.

Whether you decide to go for a water-cooled or air-cooled system, make sure that the room
environment meets the load, temperature, and humidity specifications listed in the CT scanner
manual.

Air-cooled CT scanners Water-cooled CT scanners

In an air-cooled system, heat is dissipated to the If your facility has a ready water source, such as a cooling
surrounding air through the outer covers of the gantry tower or a factory chilled water system, then water
by a fan. This is the cooling system on most available CT cooling could be suitable.
scanner.
You can also use a water cooling system if the facility
The cooler itself is a bit more expensive and air cooled does not have a sufficient water source, but then it will
systems are hereby slightly more expensive than the require an external chiller.
water cooled ones.
13 | CHAPTER 7 - AIR OR WATER COOLED CT
12 | CHAPTER 8 - AIR OR WATER COOLED CT
 Pros and Cons of Air-
and Water-Cooled
Air-Cooled Water-Cooled
Less preventive maintenance Almost zero noise

No water quality concerns Cleaner - no dust and dirt from fans

No need for an external chiller No additional HVAC system per room

Require less space and is easier to install Lower purchasing price

A long term cheaper cooling system Good for rooms with inconsistent humidity
with smaller footprint and temperature control

14 | CHAPTER 7 - AIR OR WATER COOLED CT

CT Scanner
Workstation
Almost done, just a few more things to decide on. One is
whether to acquire a workstation. A workstation is an option
for most medical imaging equipment.

Since it is independent of the main modality

console, you can process and analyze images
while still allowing patients come in for
examinations. Furthermore, it enables doctors to
analyze the images long after they have been
taken.

If you plan to perform image analysis yourself,

getting a workstation is necessary. On the other
hand, if you plan to send the images in a DICOM
file to a PAC system located in a specialized clinic
focused on diagnosing and interpreting medical
images, you do not need a workstation.

15 | CHAPTER 8 - CT WORKSTATION
Used
When we talk about used, refurbished, and new CT
scanners we refer to the condition of the CT.

So how do you choose between these three categories?

Refurbished Used is used. Meaning that it has been used in another

clinical setting. The condition of used depends on the

or New
number of patients, how well it has been taken care of,
but also of the supplier your purchase it from. As
different resellers have different standards for what
they do with the system before they resell.

LBN Medical, for instance, test and check all incoming

systems before they are put up for sale. When buying
used, the price is lower up-front than for new and for
refurbished. And if you buy a quality system, you will get
good value for money.

Refurbished can either be seller refurbished, ISO

refurbished or OEM refurbished. Seller refurbished is
defined by the seller from system to system, usually on
request on the buyer. It can be cosmetic or technical
refurbishment.

ISO refurbished is a more defined process, and OEM

refurbished is the OEMs performing a very specific
refurbishment process on selected systems. And of
course with refurbished equipment, you pay for that
extra effort.

New is simply brand new, from factory. Which you can

buy from the OEMs.

16 | CHAPTER 9
USED, REFURBISHED OR NEW
Main Points
What slice count do you need?
The commonly available slice counts include
16, 32, 64, 128, 256, and 320-slice CT scanners.
Sum Up When choosing a CT, be sure it is suitable for
the studies you want to do. At the same time,
you should have a sufficient budget and be
We hope you have gained valuable insights from this guide.
clear on your patient flow targets.
Let us do a quick recap of the decision process in purchasing a CT:

What CT brand is the best for your practice? What type of CT scanner
cooling is better?
You have many different options, although we recommend one of the
following: GE, Siemens, Philips or Canon Medical (former Toshiba). There are two main variables to take into
They are all known for providing high quality. account – your facility and climate conditions.

Pick a brand based on access to service in your area. If you have a water source ready in your
facility and the temperateness and humidity
tend to be inconsistent, a water-cooled CT
What type of studies will you perform? scan machine is an option.
The answer to this question will be essential to knowing what type of On the other hand, if your space is limited, you
scanner you require. And whether you need a CT or maybe rather an might want to go with the more popular air-
MRI scanner? cooled CT scanner.
Crucial factors like slice count, software packages, and accessories all Furthermore, most manufacturers today
revolve around knowing which procedures you do. focus only on producing air-cooled CTs since
this technology is more advanced.

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How much does a What about tubes?
CT cost?
Tube condition is an important factor in CT pricing and
On the used market, the the purchasing decision process.
price of a CT scanner goes
from 35.000 euros up to The condition is based on tube count.
250.000 euros, sometimes
even more. There are Depending on the manufacturer, you can use one of
multiple factors in play, such the following measures:
as age, number of slices, • Total patient exams
demand, model, tube count • Clicks/counts
and others. • Scan seconds
• mAs (milliampere seconds)
Make sure that you match
your budget with your Do I need a workstation?
specific needs.
Yes, if you are going to do image analysis yourself.
See more specific price
ranges in the CT scanner However, if you send the images to a clinic specialized
pricing section. in diagnosing and interpreting medical images, you do
not need to get a workstation.

18 | CHAPTER 10 - MAIN POINTS

 Thank you for reading this far.

If you still have questions you can

email us at sales@lbnmedical.com.
Or visit our website lbnmedical.com

"We bought a CT Scanner from LBN Medical

and we are 100% satisfied, David and LBN
Medical do not only sell you a system but also
provide post-sales support to make sure you
are satisfied, and the system was as expected.
I highly recommend them."
- Martin purchased a GE - CT750 HD

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