What to Know About Siemens Straton CT X-Ray Tubes
Medical radiography uses two types of x-ray tubes. You have stationary anode tubes for low-power applications like pain management, diagnosis for hand and foot specialties, and needle placement. Meanwhile, with a rotating anode tube, the incoming heat evenly disperses as it turns, enabling longer scans at higher doses.
Depending on your specialty, you would need at least one of these types of x-ray delivery systems. For example, run-offs and cross laterals both require rotating anodes. If your practice requires detailed images of internal structures, a CT scanner is a must.
Why choose Siemens CT scanners?
Siemens Healthineers is a leading name in medical technology. They have various digital radiography systems that cover practically all applications, helping healthcare professionals deliver precision medicine. However, the nuances among their delivery systems could be lost on a team that uses it for the first time.
For instance, there are four types of Siemens Straton CT Tubes. There is partial interchangeability among these tube types, which could cause compatibility issues during computed tomography applications.
The differences among Straton tubes
There are several varieties of the Siemens Straton, but they are not comparable. Some scanner systems use one variant of the Straton but not another. This non-interchangeability is what confuses users.
To be specific, the original Straton tube works with the Somatom Sensation 10 and Sensation 16. The Sensation 10 is an entry-level multislice system, while the Sensation 16 facilitates faster imaging and reduced radiation doses.
Meanwhile, the Straton O is for the Somatom Sensation Open. There are 10-, 24- and 40-slice models of the Sensation Open, making it perfect for oncology, bariatric, and trauma patients.
A little higher up in specs is the Straton Z, which you can find in Somatom Sensation 40 and Sensation 64. These scanners have a cardiac imaging rotation time of .33 seconds, spiral artifact-free imaging, and UDF detectors. Finally, the Straton MX is compatible with Siemens Definition CTs, which have 64-slice and 128-slice configurations.
Another tricky thing about Siemens Straton CT tubes is that all models have a Proprietary ID Chip, which ties each unit to the first system on which you install it. While this makes it seem as though the Straton tubes are not transferable, it is possible to bypass this limitation. If you’ve purchased a CT scanner with a Straton tube, your seller’s installing engineer can prepare the scanner for your use.
How to know when to replace your Siemens CT Tube?
All types of equipment have a shelf life, including CT scanners and their parts. If you hear humming sounds from the tube bearing, if the system has longer, more frequent cooldowns, and if the tube arcs in the middle of a scan, it is time to find a replacement.
You could also access your tube’s history log to learn more about its condition or learn how to maintain your CT scanner.
How to Use a Siemens CT Tube History Log
When you log in to the service platform, navigate to the “Reports” tab. There, you will find the “Tube History” section, which contains a collection of information about the particular type of Straton tube installed.
One thing you could examine from the record is the number of scan seconds logged. For example, if you have a Siemens Sensation 64, it would use the Straton Z CT tube (Part #7737807). This tube can last anywhere from 350,000 to 500,000 scan seconds on average.
For a mid-sized hospital or imaging clinic, that works up to about three years of regular use. This information is also helpful for people looking to replace their scanners since you could plan and time the acquisition to ensure that it is smooth as possible. If you know the number of scan seconds you have on a CT X-ray tube, it can help you order a replacement without needing to deal with system downtime.
Aside from the number of scan seconds, you could also check the record of tube arcs on the system. If your technicians always note scan interruptions because of arcing, knowing the number of arcs and the error codes your techs receive would help an engineer determine whether the tube needs repairs or replacement.
Conclusion
There is a ready supply of Siemens Straton CT tubes on the market today. Although Straton CT tubes can be tricky to work with at first, they will be manageable once you know the specifics. Find a vendor who can provide you with extensive information on the type of Straton tube you need and an engineer who can perform the necessary workarounds.
For your medical imaging needs, turn to DirectMed Parts. We are the most trusted and knowledgeable source for CT and MRI parts and services, and we aim to quickly and accurately deliver quality parts to our customers. Get in touch today to learn more.
