Key Insights for First-Time Linac Buyers

Building a radiation oncology center from the ground up is a challenging task, and the linear accelerator (LINAC) is a foundational purchase that will help shape your clinic’s success. Fortunately, there are many ways to optimize and maximize the value you get from your linac purchase, and choosing a used/reconditioned machine is just the beginning. First-time linac buyers need to know that:

1. Your linac supplier can provide you with other products and services. Many linac suppliers, including ROS, offer a full suite of products and services for their linac buyers. These can include water chillers, power conditioners, patient positioning lasers, patient observation and communication systems, and more. We also provide consumables like patient immobilization items, as well as installation and routine servicing.

Having one point of contact for all tasks relating to the linac keeps the maintenance process smooth and easy. Linac owners also don’t need to worry about suppliers pointing fingers at each other or trying to avoid service calls if a problem arises.

2. A linac is always a major purchase, but there are a variety of price points to choose from. When making this decision, clinics should consider what technology their patients and referring physicians require, what energies they need, and vault and shielding restraints. Long-term durability is key: A larger investment up front may result in lower maintenance (and eventually, replacement) costs in years to come. Centers should also incorporate any desired accessories and upgrades into their budget.

A used/reconditioned linear accelerator, turnkeyed, ranges in price from $325,000 to more than $1,750,000, with an average price of $475,000. This includes shipping and installation with a functional guarantee. Key factors affecting price include age, model of machine, and upgrades.

3. If you are purchasing from another country, buying a linac (and other radiation oncology equipment) can come with costs to nationalize the product. These costs can include taxes, duties, tariffs, or customs fees, as well as national permits, licenses, and required upgrades. These are typically not included in the machines’ sticker price — but in some cases, importing a high-value linac at a lower price from abroad may be worth the cost of fees and regulatory compliance.

4. Not all installation processes are the same. No buyer wants to deal with problems during or immediately after a linac installation, but for first-time buyers who are simultaneously managing the other aspects of setting up a radiation oncology center, this is especially important. To guarantee the smoothest process, seek out a supplier that conducts installation through the point of OEM CATP (Original Equipment Manufacturer’s Customer Acceptance Test Procedure). This approach guarantees that if a part fails, breaks, or does not work correctly, preventing the machine from meeting all the CATP parameters, it will be repaired or replaced.

Buying a linac is an investment of time as well as financial resources. However, taking the time to plan carefully and choose a supplier that meets all your needs as a first-time purchaser can help prevent unexpected costs and obstacles, freeing you to focus your full energy and attention on the many other challenges of building a radiation oncology center.

Check out these resources for more information about purchasing your first linear accelerator: