How Long Will My CT Scanner’s X-ray Tube Last: Download our Comparison Chart

The type of CT Scanner’s X-Ray tube should be an important consideration when deciding on which CT Scanner to purchase. X-ray tubes don’t last forever and will eventually have to be replaced. Generally, they are the most expensive part of a CT Scanner, and it’s important to understand not only how long it will last, but what the expected costs will be of replacing it.

Many hospitals and clinics cover the costs of X-Ray tube replacement through a service agreement with either the OEM or with a third-party service company. Of course, you are paying for the CT’s X-ray tube replacement indirectly, as service contract pricing covers this expense.

If you chose a lower cost service contract, or a “time and materials only” type of service arrangement for your CT Scanner, then its particularly important to budget for and plan a for a CT tube replacement.

The CT Scanner X-Ray Tube Comparison Chart provides a summary of the more common CT scanner systems in the pre-owned equipment market and the X-ray tubes that they utilize. Obviously, the more an instrument is used, the faster the x-ray tube will fail, but other factors can affect the tube’s lifetime and are listed below. While all of these factors cannot be completely avoided, understanding them can help you maximize the life of this critical component.

• Number of patients and scans
• Complexity of applications
• Use of a small collimator
• Use of a higher voltage than necessary
• Proper cooling of the x-ray tube
• Proper cleaning of cooling radiator and cooling fans
• X-ray tube size
• Human error
• Proper air conditioning in CT room

Purchasing a lower priced CT Scanner may not always result in cost savings if the X-ray tube fails you several years later. It’s important to consider this very important piece!

Download CT Scanner X-ray Tube Comparison Chart