Choosing a CT scanner is one of the largest capital decisions a radiology department will make. The range of available systems — from 16-slice workhorse scanners to 256-slice spectral CT platforms — is wide, and the price difference between them is significant. Getting the selection right means balancing clinical requirements, patient throughput, installation constraints, and total cost of ownership.
Start with clinical volume
A 16-slice system is sufficient for a clinic performing fewer than 20 scans per day. Facilities running 40–80 daily exams, or performing complex cardiac and oncology protocols, should look at 64-slice or higher. Higher slice counts reduce scan time, lower radiation dose per exam, and enable advanced reconstructions — but they also increase acquisition, service, and tube replacement costs.
Factor in total cost of ownership
The purchase price is only the beginning. Service contract costs, X-ray tube replacement frequency, detector maintenance, and software upgrade fees can exceed the original equipment cost within five years. When evaluating a refurbished system, ask for tube count history, helium boiloff records (for MRI), and the service history of all major sub-assemblies.
Refurbished vs new
A professionally refurbished CT scanner from a reputable dealer can deliver equivalent clinical performance to new equipment at 30–60% of the new-purchase price. The key is ensuring the system has been de-installed under engineering supervision, transported correctly, and re-commissioned to manufacturer specifications by certified engineers.
If you are evaluating CT systems for your facility, our team is available to provide a no-obligation consultation based on your specific clinical and budget requirements.