When looking for the best CT scan machine, there are a number of features and specifications to look out for. It is important to take into consideration factors such as speed, resolution, image quality, types of imaging available (3D or 4D), patient safety, and comfort level measures offered by the scanner.
Different machines may come with various safety and comfort features such as adjustable beds and auto shut-off for patient convenience. There are energy efficiency considerations when looking for a CT scanner since devices can consume large amounts of electricity during use.
Points to consider when looking for a CT scan machine
- Firstly, pay attention to the ergonomics design and general operation capabilities so that you can be assured that your workplace has an optimal setup for its users.
- Many machines also come equipped with noise reduction technology allowing operators to focus on other tasks during long acquisition times.
- Price is an important factor in choosing a device – higher quality products tend to cost more but they offer better performance too.
- Check with suppliers who have experience using different machines so they can provide valuable insight.
- It’s also helpful to get feedback from other clinicians who have experience as it will be helpful in making your final decision.
Additionally, you should research different brands in order to get a better idea of which one will provide the highest quality visuals. All of these features should be weighed when making a decision on which machine will be best suited for your needs.
Some of the best CT Scan Machines from renowned brands are as follows.
GE Healthcare
GE Lightspeed 16 Slice CT Scan Machine
The GE Lightspeed 16 Slice CT Scan Machine is one of the best machines available. This machine has an impressive number of slices – 16, meaning that more area can be scanned at once and in a shorter time frame.
Not only does this model have state-of-the-art imaging technology that allows for accurate and detailed scans. But it also enables clinicians to compare images from different planes which is extremely helpful in treatments.
With this superior technology, patients can expect to receive more accurate results with less risk associated with radiation exposure.
Special Features of the CT Scan Machine
- Number of slices: 16 Slices
- Brand: GE Healthcare
- Model Number: GE LIGHTSPEED 16
- Gantry opening Diameter: 70 cm
- Generator Power: 53.2kW
- Scan Value Based on Table Travel: 160cm Maximum
- Pitch of Quad: 0.751(31) or 1.51(61)
- Disk Image Storage Type: Magnetic Optical
- Sub Second Scanning: 0.5 Second Scan Time
- Patient Table with Metalless Cradle
- The 4th Evolution in Lightspeed
- Auto MA to Optimize X-ray Usage
- SMART start Gantry Activated Scanning
- Helical for Exam Streamlining
- Prep Instant Contrast Monitoring
- Speed Scan Time Enhancer
- Tools to Automate Task
- Variviewer
- 120-sec continuous Helical
- Dual High Color, High Contrast 19inch, Flat Panel LCD Monitor
- LightSpeed PDU
Scan parameters
- 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4-second scans
- 80,100,120,140 kVp, 10-440 mA
- 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, 5, 7.5, 10 mm slice thickness
- 1-second minimum interscan delay
- 25, 50 cm scan fields of view
- 16 x 912 detection channels
- 120 sec max scan time
- 170 cm max scan volume
Image reconstruction
- 0.5 second reconstruction time per slice
- 512 x 512 reconstruction matrix
Display
- Two 19” flat LCD monitors
- 1280 x 1024 matrices, pixels
- 16 slices displayed at once
Table/ Gantry
- 51-107/170 cm vertical height
- 135 cm longitudinal scannable range
- Supports 400 lb patients accurately
- 70 cm gantry aperture
- ± 30 gantry tilt
Generator/tube
- 53.2 kW maximum power
- 6.3 MHU anode heat capacity
- 840 KHU/min max anode heat dissipation rate
Exposure Time
- Normal axial scan selections: 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, or 4 sec
- Cine: 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, or 4 sec
- Scout: scan range 20-1600 mm at 100 mm/sec
- Exposure time: 0.20 – 16.0sec
- Helical ( continuous scans) up to 120 sec for a single continuous exposure
- Accuracy: 1.8-60.0 sec exposures: ± 5% + 10 ms
Siemens
Siemens Somatom Emotion 16 Slice CT Scan Machine
The Siemens Somatom Emotion 16 is a top-of-the-line CT scan machine that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It also includes improved reconstruction paving technology and quantification tools.
Siemens enable advanced evaluation methods; increasing precision when detecting suspicious shadows or building 3D models from organs such as hearts that have complex geometries.
With all these specifications, this scanner brings diagnostics accuracy and delivers improved dose efficiency. It is an ideal choice for any medical facility or practitioner looking for top-quality performance in precision scans.
Low noise technology ensures high accuracy. Siemens Somatom Emotion 16 is certainly an ideal choice if you are looking for top-notch performance in your CT scan machine.
Special Features of Siemens Somatom 16
- Brand: Siemens
- 16 Slice acquisition
- Fast and efficient with 0.6 second rotation time.
- Multislice UFC detector (Ultra Fast Ceramic).
- Small Diagnostic detail for acquisition
- Syngo LungCARE CT with NEX (Nodule Enhanced Viewing)
- Colonography with PEV (Polyp Enhanced Viewing)
- 0.75 or 1.5mm slices per rotation in less than 20 seconds
- 105-millisecond temporal resolution for a clear depiction of blood vessels
- 19-inch LCD Flat Panel Monitor
- Max Power: 50 kW generator
- Accuracy/reproducibility of table positioning: ±0.25 mm (Horizontal movement)
- Tube: DURA 422MV High-performance CT X-ray tube
- The current range of Tube 20–345 mA
- Voltage: 80, 110, 130 kV
- Anode heat (tube): 5.0 MHU storage capacity
Gantry
- Aperture: 70cm
- Gantry depth: 68.4cm(27”)
- Generation of Gantry: 3rd
- Slipring: Low voltage
- FOV: 50 cm (standard), 70 cm (optional)
- Tilt range: ±30 degrees
- Type of positioning lights: Laser
- Accuracy of positioning lights: ±1 mm
- Focus-detector distance: 940 mm
Table
- Couch top length and width: 222 x 43 cm
- Movement range (Horizontal): 153 cm
- Horizontal movement speeds: 1-100 mm/sec
- Accuracy/reproducibility of table positioning: ±0.25 mm (Horizontal movement)
- Range without table top extension(Scannable): 153 cm
- Movement range out of gantry: 45-83 cm
- Vertical movement range in gantry: 64-83 cm
- Minimum couch top height outside gantry: 45 cm (Vertical movement)
- Maximum weight allowed on the couch: 200 kg
This machine has an impressive worklist sorting system that allows users to pick the most important cases from multiple studies they are examining at once. With all these specifications, this scanner brings diagnostics accuracy and delivers improved dose efficiency for more patient safety benefits.
Toshiba (Now its Canon)
Alexion 16 Slice CT Scan Machine
This CT scan Machine is one of the best options available, offering great features and specifications at an affordable price. It has a large scanning area with high drill-in speed which allows for fast image acquisition.
The machine also boasts advanced imaging algorithms that provide more accurate diagnoses, by detecting minute differences in tissue anatomies such as lesions or tumors due to its über fine perception capabilities.
Other cutting-edge specifications such as motion correction algorithms enhance accuracy even further by eliminating movement. It helps to ensure a clearer distinction between healthy tissues or lesions compared to other machines.
It also utilizes specific algorithms that can detect minute differences in structures and tissue composition for more precise diagnosis. Additionally, the Air Shield feature blocks ultrafine X-ray leakage from external sources. Resulting in reduced overall citizen exposure to ionizing irradiation concerns significantly.
The 0.5mm detector elements (the smallest in current CT technology)provide razor-sharp images ensuring fast and accurate diagnosis.
Special Features of Alexion 16
- No of slices: 16
- Brand: Brand
- Type: Spiral
- Scan Time: 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 sec
- Region of Scanning: Whole body including head
- X-ray tube Voltage: 80, 100, 120, 135 KV
- Slice Thickness: 0.5,1,2,3,4 and 5mm
- Gantry aperture: 720 mm in diameter
- A current of X-Ray Tube: 10 mA to 300 mA (step of 10mA)
- Tube heating Capacity: 4.0 MHU
- Scan Field: 480 mm Max- 500 mm Max
- System of Scan: 360-degree continuous rotate/rotate
- Scan Mode: S&S, S&V, Helical, GG Helical, GR-Helical, Dynamic, SURE start
- Detection system: Solid-state Detectors
- Power Requirement: 300 VAC 3-Phase(100 KVA Max)
- Image Recon Time: Min 0.17s
Features
- Five Scan (Fields of View)
- Gantry Tilt Angle: From forward 30 degrees to backward 30 degrees (in 0.5-degree increments)
- Slip Ring Technology
- Surface Rendering (3D)
- 3D Volume Rendering(Max-IP & Min-IP)
- Cine Display
- MPR and Curved MPR
- Acquisition: 0.5mm X 16 rows, 1mm X 16 rows, 2mm
Philips
Digital Philips PET CT Scan
The Pet CT Scan Machine is one of the best CT Scan Machines available in the market. It comes with several features and specifications that make it an excellent choice for healthcare professionals. Offers low dose selection feature improves patient safety as well as energy efficiency.
It has a large field-of-view image receptor, four-slice acquisition capability, automatic focus detection, and high-definition quality images which all helps to offer superior imaging performance.
PET CT Scan has excellent specifications meaning that it can accurately detect tiny abnormalities in very small anatomical regions. All in all, this machine is well worth considering if you are looking for a reliable and efficient CT scanner device!
Special Features of Philips PET Scan
- Brand: Philips
- Detector Design: Digital Photon Counting (DPC)
- System: PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography)
- Number of PET detectors: 23.040
- PET Timing resolution: 310 ps FWHM
- Quantitative accuracy: +/- 5%
- Gantry with Table dimensions: Height- 206.5cm, Length: 484.9cm, Width: 220.3cm
- TOF Localization Accuracy: 4.6c
Specifications
Improved Lesion detectability:
The visualizations of small lesions are essential for clinicians to diagnose and monitor oncology patients. This can lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses for a variety of conditions, helping people get the care they need quickly.
Vereos provide improved detectability and characteristics of small lesions. In Molecular imaging, the challenge is being able to detect small lesions.
Low PET Dose:
This makes the scan complete at very low doses, which is beneficial and safe for patients as it reduces the risk of radiation exposure while providing accurate scans.
It also allows for greater accuracy during scans and provides an improved image quality overall, offering clearer images with fewer artifacts. Provides uncompromised lesion detectability and quantification at 1/2 PET dose.
Fast Scans:
The major feature of these machines is their speedy scans; they can capture large volumes of pictures in just a few minutes allowing doctors to quickly diagnose serious problems. Vereos provides uncompromised lesion detectability at 1/10 the time.
Ready for the future:
Vereos Digital PET/CT offers industry-leading high count-rate performance (dynamic range) for enhanced diagnostic confidence with emerging precision medicine applications.
Philips PET CT scan offers an enhanced experience for patients through numerous features like fast scans, Low PET dose, and Improved Lesion detectability.
Canon (Formerly known as Toshiba)
Aquilion 64 CT
The CT scan machine is a revolutionary product that offers features and specifications, unlike any other system. It features up to 64 slice height capabilities, dual-energy rates of more than 450mA, and the highest resolution images with 0.5mm slices.
Also, it is used for a wide range of clinical applications such as neuro, cardiac, body imaging, and trauma & oncology imaging. Built on Toshiba’s unique 64-row quantum detector and is known as a true volumetric 64-slice scanner. It has detector channels, 3D cone-beam algorithms, and volume reconstruction.
The machine has been designed to accommodate different patient sizes, including neonatal and pediatric patients. Its symmetrical gantry design optimizes workflow efficiency making it easier for the users to operate, providing them with clear images of greater accuracy.
Special Features of Aquilion
- Brand: Canon
- Generator Power: 72 kW
- Helical Scanning: YES
- Full Rotation: .5 Sec.
- Scanning Range: 180 cm
- Dual Console
- Exceptional low-contrast resolution
- 40% reduced dose
Specifications:
- Delivers true isotropic imaging,
- 64 simultaneous 0.5-mm slices per rotation,
- 0.35-mm spatial resolution for small vessel and coronary artery detail, and superior low-contrast resolution.
- Aquilion 64 can be configured to include faster rotation speeds, a larger generator, and advanced cardiac workflow software for imaging the heart.
- a 180cm long by 47cm wide patient couch
- Advanced Sure Workflow with PhaseXact, and 13cm coverage in the patient axis direction.
Conclusion
The best CT scan machine for your needs will depend on the features and specifications that you value most. You should carefully consider what you need out of a CT scan device in order to select one that works best for your purposes.
Appropriate choice can provide exceptional resolution and accurate imaging results while also being quick enough to offer fast scans if needed. Below are another few machines.
- GE LIGHTSPEED VCT 64
- Siemens PET CT Biograph 2
- PHILIPS BRILLIANCE 64
- Refurbished Siemens CT Scan Machine
- SIEMENS SOMATOM SENSATION 64
- GE LIGHTSPEED ULTRA 8
- SIEMENS SOMATOM SCOPE 16
Which CT Scan machine is best suited for your hospital?
CT scans are an essential and highly beneficial diagnostic tool used in modern medicine. But with all of the different types of machines available, how do you choose which one best suits your hospital’s needs?
In this article, we will explore what to consider when selecting a CT scan machine that will provide superior patient comfort as well as optimal image quality results.
Speed
Most high-end scanners have features like automated gantry positioning and accelerated table motion. It helps to ensure quicker exam times without compromising the accuracy or safety of the patient.
Image Quality
The number one priority when selecting a scanner should be achieving excellent image resolution.
1) Motion Correction – The ability to correct motion artifacts during scanning saves time by allowing fast scanning without compromising image quality;
2) Multi-Slice Imaging Capacity – Number and type (helical/zoom etc.) slices per rotation determine efficiency and flexibility, minimizing dose while maximizing data acquisition rates;
3) Automated Tuning – Most leading vendors sell automated tuning capability but its implementation varies between systems ;
4 ) Uniformity Enhancement Technology (UET)– UET compensates for shading caused due differences in X-ray beam energy backscatter from anatomy heterogeneities. These are interposed along path length on the patient travel platform creating improved uniformity across field coverage regions (at least 6×6 inches).
Cost
You may need to factor in both the initial cost of purchase as well as any ongoing maintenance or repair costs associated with different machines.
Accessibility & Ergonomics
It’s important not only that access points and pathways around the room permit easy movement but also that special attention must be paid to ergonomic design principles.
Radiation Dose Reduction Technology
Modern scanners typically come equipped with low-dose software packages such as Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASIR) algorithms. It is designed specifically to reduce radiation doses while not detracting from the clarity of images produced.
Make sure any unit selected has such necessary dosage reduction code capabilities installed already to save costs by negating the need for external updates later.
Cost/Long-term Savings Potential
Comparison shop based upon expected long-term maintenance expenses over life expectancy rather than just initial cost outlay. Since medical Imaging equipment can last up to 10 years + if properly serviced before replacement.
Investing in higher-end models offering extensive technical support makes sense economic sense given lower service costs down the road overall.
Evaluate your Workflow
The Patients flow, gathering your patient’s record, and monitoring per-day record will give you a clear view of your workflow, and the scanning type. From a 16-cut scanner to a modern 64-cut machine, your decision relies upon what you want it to do. It’s fundamental that you purchase a CT scanner that will streamline your work process.
Slice Counts
Slice counts are one of the most important features when purchasing a CT scan machine. More the slice counts, the higher the image resolution and it reduces scan time.
- 4 Slice: Often considered to be ideal for a low-volume imaging center, as well as urology practices or other centers that only need the CT scanner once or twice a week.
- 16 Slice: Best for facilities with a higher patient flow and a need for reduced scanning times. This slice count also works well in urgent care centers, as well as hospitals or high-volume imaging centers.
- 64 Slice: Ideal for cardiac, trauma, or high-volume critical care environments where time is of the essence.
- 128 Slice: Commonly found in cardiac or research institutions. Scanners with this power, as well as 256- or 320-slice scanners, can scan the whole body in seconds and provide incredibly sharp 3D images of any organ.
- 320, 640 Slice: These CT scanners are advanced imaging systems that can scan the whole body from head to toe, in less than one minute. Therefore, these systems are great for emergency rooms.
Look for a few scanners that fit your budget and needs and simultaneously compare the models with respect to their speed, image resolution, slices, etc.
Other Technical Considerations:
- Air Cooled feature
- Gantry rotation
- X-Ray tube performance and Lifespan
- Sustainability and maintenance needs
- Spatial and Contrast Resolution
Which Scanner is best for you?
- GE CT Scanners – It is one of the best healthcare machine brands. Having durability and ease of use and maintenance in the machines.
- GE Discovery CT750 HD
- Lightspeed VCT 64 Slice CT Scanner, RT
- Philips CT Scanners– It offers one of the most affordable options in CT scanners. Philips provides a range of radiology options all the way through cardiac imaging. If looking for affordability and efficiency but need advanced imaging applications the Brilliance 40 or the Brilliance 64 are better.
- IQon Spectral CT
- CT 6000 iCT
- Incisive CT
- Big Bore RT
- Ingenuity Core
- Siemens – It offers advanced radiation minimization and contrast media dosage as well as features for better clinical performance. This allows for sharper images with the highest standards for dose minimization.
- Siemens Somatom Emotion, Definition, Sensation
- Biograph Vision PET/CT Scan
- Toshiba – The Aquilion 16 is a robust scanner, known for its ability to complete a rotation in 4 seconds and reconstruct high-quality images at 12 frames per second. It is also versatile, offering applications in bone mineral density, lung analysis, musculoskeletal, neurology, oncology, and urology.
- Toshiba Aquilion 16
- Aquilion 64, 32
If GE is easy maintenance, Philips is affordability, and Siemens is innovation, then Toshiba is power and quality. Accessing the workflow with a CT Scan machine allows more efficient processes when determining treatments for various illnesses and injury types while also ensuring accurate diagnosis for better outcomes and overall results.
With so many features available today, it is essential to do research when selecting a new CT scan machine in order to choose the option which best fits into your budget and solves all of your healthcare needs.