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CT Scanners – The Cost and Benefits of Different Options PT. 1

May 6, 2021 | Articles, CT

Investing in a CT scanner isn’t a piece of cake. There are many things you need to consider, and one of those features is its slice count. A “slice” is the individual cross-sectional image that a CT scanner captures, which essentially produces a 2-D image. 

Keep in mind that a CT scanner is still capable of capturing more slices every rotation and in different viewpoints. After the process, the images are combined to create a 3-D image of what has been captured. With that being said, hunting for a CT scanner with a specific number of slices is ideal.

Previously, we discussed the cost of a CT scanner, what you should look for and why they’re quite pricey. In this article, we’ll get into the details of CT scanners — the real deal about slices and the different scanner options you can consider. Let’s get to it!

 

How Many Slices Does My Scanner Need?

As mentioned earlier, considering a CT scanner’s slice count is important. And ideally, you want to invest in a CT scanner with a high slice count, but we understand that budget may not allow this. 

Thankfully, buying a CT scanner with a lower slice count doesn’t mean that you’re compromising its quality. In fact, some CT scanners don’t need a high slice since they can still capture high-resolution pictures. 

Having a higher slice count is only necessary when you have a high number of patients. Additionally, high slice counts are also beneficial for eliminating artifacts when it comes to cardiac imaging, meaning if you don’t have a bunch of patients with cardiac issues, then having a high slice count wouldn’t be necessary. 

 

Other Factors to Consider 

Like any feature and CT part, you need to ensure that the specifications you’re deciding on are exactly what your facility needs. Otherwise, you’ll be burning more cash than what is actually required. This is why it’s crucial that, if you need to replace any parts of your CT scanner, you work with a reliable source like DirectMed Parts.

 

The Different Options of Scanners

Standing CT Scanners

Standing CT scanners require your patients to lay on their backs and are inserted in a gantry of the machine to be scanned. However, some standing CT scanners can simply let the patients stand. 

You should note that standing CT scanners don’t have a high slice count and produce less radiation but are still perfect for high-quality images of your bone, ligaments, cartilage, and more. 

 

Mobile CT Scanners

An alternative and relatively affordable option is a mobile CT scanner. Mobile CT scanners are often installed in trailers and parked outside a medical facility. This means you won’t need to renovate a space in your establishment and worry about expensive installation costs. 

Having a mobile CT scanner is a perfect choice for multiple medical establishments that don’t need daily CT scanning capabilities. Additionally, you can also rent CT scanners instead of purchasing them and could be a lot cheaper for short-term use. 

 

Refurbished Scanners

If you’re working on a limited budget, it’s a good idea that you purchase a refurbished CT scanner. These scanners are inspected, repaired, adjusted, cleaned, and replaced.

Ideally, you want to ensure that the parts that the CT scanner is using come from a reliable source like DirectMed Parts. This way, you can rest well knowing that your refurbished machine will be working perfectly and still give you high-quality images while keeping your patients and staff safe. 

 

The Bottom Line: Decide What’s Right for You

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to know what your facility requires when it comes to CT scanners. The two most important things you need to consider are your patient’s needs and budget. 

Depending on what your establishment requires, you’ll find the perfect scanner for you. And if you decide on getting a refurbished scanner, remember to get parts from DirectMed Parts to ensure that your CT scanner parts and coils are of high quality. 

 

Why Choose Us?

If your MRI or CT scanner needs new parts and coils, DirectMed Parts is here to help you.

We are the most trusted source for medical imaging parts and services, specializing in CT and MRI parts and coils. We take pride in understanding the importance of working with service professionals and ensure quick delivery to the client’s site. 

Learn more about our products today!

 

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