(855) 463-3727sales@directmedimaging.com

Richardson Healthcare is now DirectMed Imaging. For details on how this change may affect your relationship with the company, please refer to the customer FAQ document (PDF). This includes updates on service offerings, support, and any other business-related implications.X

Akron B Akron Q X-Ray Tubes

Oct 2, 2020 | Articles, CT

If your CT imaging equipment’s x-ray tube is nearing the end of its life, it’s time to start looking into replacement options. If you notice any cracks, leaks, or new noises from your x-ray tube, then it’s time to replace or repair it. If you’re using a water-cooled Philips or Siemens CT Scanner, you’ll likely want to purchase the Akron B or Akron Q x-ray tube.

Akron B tubes are compatible with the Siemens Volume Access, Siemens Volume Zoom, Siemens Sensation 4, Philips MX8000 Dual, and Philips MX8000 4 scanners. Siemens Sensation 10, Siemens Sensation 16, Philips MX8000 IDT 10, and Philips MX8000 IDT 16 models require Akron Q tubes. Both can be purchased new or used, and can sometimes be repaired.

New versus Used Costs

Used Akron B and Akron Q tubes are considerably more cost-effective than most other x-ray tubes. Used tubes can be easily acquired for between $20,000 and $45,000, and can add months or years to the productivity of your imaging equipment. New replacement parts cost considerably more.

Akron B & Akron Q X-ray Tubes Lifespan

Typically, Akron x-ray tubes last between 400,000 and 500,000 slices, which amounts to about 3 to 4 years of patient scans in a facility that does a moderate volume or scans. Used and refurbished parts are likely to last a little less than that, depending upon the amount of use it has endured and the physical condition of the tube.

Properly maintaining your CT imaging equipment and x-ray tube will help lengthen its life expectancy. It is also important to make sure your imaging equipment is only operated by trained professionals, in accordance with the user manual provided. Warming up the CT scan machine prior to use when the machine has been sitting idle for more than a couple of hours is also helpful. The better you care for your equipment, the more likely it is to reach the full potential of its lifespan.

Customer FAQ’s – 

DirectMed Imaging’s Acquisition of Richardson Healthcare

Overview of the Acquisition

1. Why did DirectMed Imaging acquire Richardson Healthcare?

DirectMed Imaging acquired Richardson Healthcare to combine their complementary strengths
and enhance their offerings. DirectMed’s expertise in multi-modality and multi-manufacturer
imaging parts, paired with Richardson Healthcare’s focus on Toshiba parts and CT tube
manufacturing, allows for a broader range of products and services for customers.

As part of this acquisition, DirectMed Imaging is now the exclusive global distributor of new
ALTA750 and 750G CT X-Ray tubes for Toshiba CT systems, as well as repaired Siemens Straton Z
and MX series CT tubes. Richardson remains committed to engineering and manufacturing CT
tubes, with plans to release OEM alternative Straton MX and MX-Ps this May and additional CT
X-Ray tubes by 2026

2. What changes should I expect?

In the short term, your experience with both companies will remain the same. Over the next
several months, Richardson Healthcare will become DirectMed Imaging, resulting in streamlined
processes and a broader range of products and services.

3. Will the Richardson Healthcare brand still exist?

Currently, Richardson Healthcare will continue its focus on Toshiba parts, training, and Siemens
and Toshiba CT tube manufacturing. A branding transition to DirectMed is planned for the near
future, and updates will be provided.

4. What are the benefits for me as a customer?

Customers will benefit from:
• A wider inventory of imaging parts across multiple manufacturers.
• New training opportunities.
• Access to the combined expertise of two industry leaders.
Customer Accounts & Services

5. Do I need to set up a new account with DirectMed Imaging?

No, your existing account with Richardson Healthcare will remain active. Any updates to account
management or terms of sale will be communicated.

6. Will my current contracts or agreements with Richardson Healthcare remain valid?

Yes, all existing contracts and agreements will continue to be honored as originally agreed.

 

7. Will my account representative change?

No, your account representative(s) will remain the same. If you have an account representative
at both locations, please reach out as follows:
• For tubes and/or training currently offered by Richardson Healthcare, please contact
your Richardson or account representative
• For parts, training, or support currently offered by DirectMed Imaging, please contact
your DirectMed account representative.

 

8. I am currently scheduled for training at Richardson, will that change?

Your scheduled training at Richardson Healthcare in South Carolina will remain unchanged for
now. All training courses will continue to be offered and attended at this location as planned.
Orders, Pricing, and Quoting

 

9. Will pricing or quoting processes change?

Pricing and quoting will remain the same during the integration period. Efforts are underway to
align pricing structures for consistency across both organizations.

 

10. Can I still place orders the same way?

Yes, you can continue placing orders through the same Richardson Healthcare channels.
DirectMed’s order channels are also available for multi-modality and multi-manufacturer needs.

 

11. Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?

Please continue to contact your preferred DirectMed or Richardson Healthcare representative.
Both teams can support your needs. For additional assistance, DirectMed’s support team is
available 24/7 at 855-463-3727 or sales@directmedimaging.com.

 

12. Will there be any downtime during the integration?

No, we do not anticipate any service disruptions.

 

13. How will I stay informed about updates?

Regular updates will be provided via email or on www.directmedimaging.com

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

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