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Reducing CT Scanner Costs: How Maintenance And Tube Choices Matter

Reducing CT Scanner Costs: How Maintenance and Tube Choices Matter

2025-08-20 18:42:14

Maintaining and replacing CT scanner tubes is a critical factor in managing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for healthcare facilities. At RadParts, we help healthcare providers navigate these decisions, offering OEM replacement parts and expert guidance to maximize equipment life while minimizing costs.

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership

Purchasing a CT system is just the start. Proper maintenance and smart tube replacement choices can extend a scanner s life for 20 years or more. While OEM parts are reliable, they often come with higher costs. Alternative options "including third-party or pre-owned tubes "can reduce long-term expenses without compromising performance.

Service Options and Healthcare Technology Management (HTM)

Effective HTM ensures your CT equipment runs safely and efficiently. Facilities can manage HTM in-house or rely on:

  • Independent Service Organizations (ISOs)
  • OEM service divisions
  • Multi-Vendor Service (MVS) providers

ISOs and MVSs often deliver the best balance of cost savings and risk mitigation, offering flexible, competitive solutions for maintenance and repairs.

Choosing Replacement CT Tubes

Replacement CT tubes from manufacturers like Varex, Chronos, and Dunlee match OEM specifications and performance, providing a cost-effective alternative. Pre-owned tubes can further reduce costs, especially for older systems, though availability may be limited for newer models.

CT Tube Lifespan Metrics

CT tubes are subject to wear over time. Understanding lifespan metrics helps plan replacements efficiently:

  • mAs (milliamp seconds) " Total system usage over time (used by GE).
  • Scan Seconds " Total scanning time regardless of protocol (used by Toshiba/Canon, Siemens, Philips).
  • Total Patient Exams " Counts exams performed to indicate tube usage (used by Siemens).

Each metric varies by manufacturer, and aligning your tube choices with these measures can help optimize TCO.

Bearings and Performance

CT tubes use different bearing technologies that affect durability and maintenance:

  • Ball Bearings " Found in older systems; lower cost but shorter lifespan and more maintenance.
  • Liquid Metal Bearings (LMB) " Quieter, longer-lasting, and common in high-end systems; higher initial cost but reduced maintenance needs.

Reducing Costs Without Compromising Quality

Healthcare providers can manage TCO by:

  • Evaluating tube types and bearing technology
  • Considering alternative or pre-owned tubes
  • Choosing cost-effective service options from ISOs or MVSs

By balancing these factors, facilities can extend CT scanner life, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure reliable performance for patients.

For expert guidance and OEM replacement solutions, contact RadParts today to explore cost-effective options for your CT equipment.

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.


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