CT Scanner X-Ray Tube Comparison Chart
This chart compares X-ray tubes for various CT scanner models, providing key information on lifespan and pricing, including estimated new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and used tube options. It aims to assist healthcare professionals and administrators in making informed decisions about CT equipment and maintenance. Understanding the potential options for service maintenance and choices for replacement CT tubes can have a large impact on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your CT system.
| CT Manufacturer | CT Model | Original Tube Model | Bearing Type | EoL (Scan Seconds/Slices/mAs) | Avg. US $ List Price (New) | Avg. US $ Retail Price (New) | Avg. US $ Price (Used/Refurb) | Replacement Tube Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE | HiSpeedCT/e, HiSpeed CT/e dual, Brivio CT315, Brivio CT 325, Brivio CT 385 | MX-135 | Ball bearing | 50M-60M mAs | 65k-75k | 40-55k | 20k-35k | Chronos DA135 CT/e, Varex GS2276, GE MaxiRay 135 |
| GE | Brightspeed Edge, Brightspeed Elite, Brightspeed Excel, Discovery NM/CT 670, Discovery NM/CT670Pro, Discovery ST, Discovery STE, Discovery RX, Lightspeed 16, Lightspeed Plus, Lightspeed Ultra, Optima CT540 | Performix (MX200) | Ball bearing | 120M-150M mAs | 100k | 65-85k | 25-40k | Chronos AU200, Varex MCS6074, GE Maxiray MX200 |
| GE | VCT 64, Discovery NM/CT570c, Discovery VCT, Lightspeed Pro, Lightspeed VCT, Lighspeed VCT Select, Lightspeed VCT XT, Lightspeed VCT Xte, Lightspeed Pro 32 and 16, Optima CT580 | Performix VCT100, MX240, Hercules, VCT Pro | Ball bearing | 150M-180M mAs | 150k | 80-125k | 60-80k | Chronos AU240, Varex MCS8064, GE Maxiray MX240 |
| GE | Optima CT660 | Performix 40 Plus | Ball bearing or LMB | 180M-250M mAs | 135k - 210k | 70k - 140k | 70k-100k | Chronos AU200-C40, GE Maxiray MX240 |
| GE | Lightspeed RT4 | Performix Pro (Mini Hercules "Snowbird" 7.5 MHU) | Ball bearing | 8M-10M mAs | 225k | 100-130k | 80k-110k | Chronos AU240, GE MX 240 or Varex MCS7079, but note they are not interchangeable |
| GE | Brightspeed Edge Select, Brightspeed Elite Select, Brightspeed Excel Select, HiSpeed DX/I, HiSpeed FX/I, HiSpeed, LX/I, HiSpeed NX/I, Optima CT520, Optima CT520 Pro | MX165NP, Solarix | Ball bearing | 60M-80M mAs | 65-75k | 50-60k | 25k-50k | Chronos DA165NP, Varex GS3576S, GE Maxiray MX165 |
| GE | Discovery HD750 | Performix Pro (Perseus) | Ball bearing | 150M-180M mAs | 200k | 140k-170k | 60k-90k | OEM Proprietary or pre-owned |
| GE | Revolution EVO | Performix HD | Ball bearing | 250M-300M mAs | 225k | 180k-210k | 80k-110k | Dunlee DA200P40+LMB, Varex CTX91-6180 |
| Siemens | Sensation 16 | Akron Q | Ball bearing | 500k-600k slices | 75k | 45-60k | 20-40k | Chronos S532Q |
| Siemens | Volume Access, Volume Zoom, Sensation 4 | Akron B | Ball bearing | 400k-500k slices | 70k | 40-55k | 25k-40k | Chronos S532B |
| Siemens | Somatom Sensation 40, 64 | Straton Z | Ball bearing | 900k-1.2M scan seconds | 225k | 150k-200k | 70k-100k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Siemens | Emotion, Somatom Emotion 1, 2, 4, 6, 16 | Dura 181 MV, Dura 202, Dura O, Z, Dura 422 | Ball bearing | 500k-1M scan seconds | 125k | 60k-80k | 25-40k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Siemens | Somatom Perspective 64, 128 | Dura 688 MV | Ball bearing | 800k-1.5M scan seconds | 135k | 70k-90k | 35k-55k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Siemens | Definition AS, AS+, Edge, Flash | Straton MX P46 | Ball bearing | 600k scan seconds | 225k | 150k-200k | 30-80k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Siemens | SOMATOM go.Now, go.Up | Chronon X-ray tube | LMB | 150M-200M mAs | 200k | 150k-180k | 70k-100k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Toshiba/Canon | Aquilion 4, 8, 16, Large Bore 16, 64, CXL, RXL, VeloCT, Prime Gen 1 | CXB-750D/2A or 4A | Ball bearing | 600k-800k scan seconds | 175k | 100k-125k | 40k-80k | Richardson ALTA750D |
| Toshiba/Canon | Aquilion ONE™, ONE™Premium, ONE™ ViSION, PRISM, GENESIS | CXB-750E/2A, CXB-750F/2A | Ball bearing | 1M-1.5M scan seconds | 190k | 110k-150k | 60k-100k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Toshiba/Canon | Aquilion Prime, Prime SP, Exceed LB | CXB-750G/4A | Ball bearing | 800k-1M scan seconds | 200k | 120-160k | 50-80k | Richardson Alta 750G |
| Toshiba/Canon | Aquilion Precision | CXB-750U/1A | Ball bearing | 600k-800k scan seconds | 225k | 120-180k | 80k-120k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Toshiba/Canon | Aquilion Lightning™ Series | CXB-500B/1A, CXB-500B/1A HeliCool V | Ball bearing | 600k-800k scan seconds | 225k | 150k-200k | 70k-100k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Philips | Brilliance 6, 16 | MRC 600 (6), MRC 800 (16) | LMB | 1M-1.5M scan seconds | 175k | 100k-150k | 40k-80k | Varex GS-5172 |
| Philips | MX8000 IDT 10, 16 | Akron Q | Ball bearing | 400k-500k slices | 75k | 45-60k | 20k-40k | Chronos S532Q |
| Philips | MX8000 Dual, MX8000 4 | Akron B | Ball bearing | 400k-500k slices | 70k | 40-55k | 25k-45k | Chronos S532B |
| Philips | Brilliance Big Bore 6, 16, 64 | MRC 800 | LMB | 1M-1.5M scan seconds | 175k | 100-150k | 40-80k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Philips | Brilliance iCT | iMRC CT XS | LMB | 1.5M-2M scan seconds | 275k | 160k-250k | 90-125k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
| Philips | Incisive | iMRC | LMB | 250M-300M mAs | 225k | 160k-200k | 90-125k | OEM propritary or pre-owned |
*Last Updated on 2/20/25
Understanding CT Tube Life (EOL) CT tubes will eventually fail due to high voltage operation and heat production. Manufacturers use different metrics to measure tube life and set warranties:
- mAs (milliamp seconds) – GE’s metric: measures tube usage based on power and time
- Scan Seconds – Used by Toshiba/Canon, Siemens, and Philips: measures active scanning time
- Total Patient Exams – Used by some manufacturers to track overall usage
Additional Notes:
- The lifespan (EoL) metrics are based on typical usage patterns. Actual tube life can vary based on specific usage conditions and maintenance practices.
- Prices can fluctuate based on market conditions, supply chain issues, and technological advancements.
- Alternative new OEM tubes are not available for all models. Where available, they can offer significant cost savings compared to new OEM tubes, reducing TCO for the Provider.
- Pre-Owned tubes may be categorized as “Low-Use” (typically less than 50% of expected lifespan used) and “Moderate-Use” (typically 50-75% of expected lifespan used).
- Always consult with the manufacturer or a qualified service provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information specific to your CT scanner model and intended usage.
- Bearing type can affect tube performance, lifespan, and cost. Consider this factor when evaluating replacement options or new CT scanner purchases.
Feedback and Updates
This data herein is maintained to provide the most current and accurate information possible. However, given the rapidly evolving nature of CT technology and the medical equipment market, we recognize that there may be recent developments or specific details that we haven’t captured.
If you have any additional information, corrections, or updates that could improve this chart, we welcome your input. Please feel free to contact us with any information you’d like to contribute.