CT Scanner

buyer’s Guide version 2.0

how to plan your

next ct purchase
with confidence
CT Scanner Buyer's Guide [version 2.0]
Copyright © 2016

Table of Contents

Getting Started .................................................................................... Page 4

What Type of CT Scanner Do I Need? ............................................ Page 6

How Much Does a Good, Refurbished CT Cost? ....................... Page 12

How Do I Plan My CT Project? ....................................................... Page 21

Next Steps & Additional Resources ............................................. Page 26

Getting Started
Getting Started

If you’re reading this ebook you’re part of a very special, very elite, and very wise few: Those
entrusted with the decisions that surround the purchase of a CT scanner.

Well… That’s one way of looking at it.

You might also be feeling a little out of your depth, nervous about the size of the investment
this equipment represents, and Googling any and every CT-related buzzword you’ve ever
heard in search of more information. In short, this might be your first time buying a CT scanner.

Whether one of the above scenarios represents you or if you’re somewhere in between, this
ebook is designed to create a footing of basic knowledge for you to stand on as you venture
forth into the used/refurbished CT scanner market.

The following chapters will help you answer these three essential questions:

What type of CT scanner do I need?

How much does a good, refurbished CT cost?
How do I plan my CT project?

So, in the interest of equipping you for the coming project and, perhaps, abating your nerves
before X-ray tubes begin to haunt your dreams, let’s dispense with further introductions and
dig in!

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 4
www.blockimaging.com
What Type of CT
Scanner do I need?
What Type of CT Scanner do I need?
Choosing the best CT scanner for your facility will depend on several things. These will include,
but are not limited to:

• The type of work you intend to do

• What your building can accommodate
• What regulatory requirements you need to meet

The more you know about your individual scenario – planned usage, facilities, local and federal
laws – the better prepared you’ll be to select the best combination of options from the pool of
systems on the refurbished equipment market. Once you begin selecting options, the following
will be the foremost you choose from.

Slice Count
One of the most important aspects of your CT decision will be your system’s slice count. A CT’s
slice count represents the number of two-dimensional anatomical cross sections captured
in an individual rotation. Taken in aggregate, these cross sections can be used to create a
three-dimensional rendering of the anatomy being studied. Common slice counts on used and
refurbished CTs include 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and sometimes 128, 256, or 320.

After a certain slice count, a CT scanner can be used for pretty much any procedure you can
think of. But before you start looking into the highest count you can find, be aware that some
technology is “overkill” for certain specialties. The price difference between a 16-slice and a
64-slice, for example, may not be worth it if you don’t plan to do cardiac or advanced brain
studies.

As slice counts increase, the amount of time required to complete a scan goes down. This
helps patient flow go smoother, can increase the overall throughput at a facility, and can lead
to more reimbursement revenue by volume. Of course, on the flipside of that coin, higher slice
counts also mean newer, more sophisticated technology which translates into higher up-front
costs and often higher service costs. Choosing what slice count your CT scanner should have
will mean striking a balance between your clinical needs, your patient flow goals, and your
budgetary scenario.

XR-29 Compliance
If you will be operating your CT scanner in the U.S., your system will need to comply with the
requirements of NEMA standard XR-29 to qualify for full reimbursement through the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These requirements were signed into law in 2013
to improve patient safety and move the installed CT base of the U.S. toward more optimized
radiation doses and more detailed dose reporting. A schedule of increasing reimbursement
cuts for non-compliant systems has since gone into effect. The four things a system needs to
comply and avoid these cuts are:

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 6
www.blockimaging.com
What Type of CT Scanner do I need? [continued]
Automatic Exposure Controls (AEC)
AEC adjusts dose automatically during the course of a scan to affect a consistently
optimal dose across a patient base. We’ll talk about these controls in more detail
shortly.

Adult and Pediatric Scan Protocols- Protocols

Protocols are sets of predetermined parameters for a CT operator to choose from
before they begin scanning a given patient. They allow the radiation that the patient
receives to be better tailored to the specific exam and clinical question. Manufacturers
develop these parameters based on their knowledge of the equipment’s specific
performance characteristics.

MITA Dose Check

Dose Check technology informs CT operators when scan settings are likely to exceed
established dose threshold levels. This is an automatic check that helps clinicians
confirm correct settings prior to a scan.

DICOM Structured Reporting

DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) is a device communication
standard used by imaging systems to communicate data between a scanner and
connected computer systems. DICOM SR produces standardized reports from a CT
scanner and lists the amount of ionizing radiation emitted per scan. This software
allows radiation dose information to be included in the patient record.

It should also be noted that a number of third-party companies have developed after-
market solutions to equip CT scanners with XR-29 features. Some of these products
can enable these features, however, none of them have done so to the satisfaction
of NEMA or the FDA. At present, the best thing for a U.S. buyer to do to ensure
compliance is to confirm with their provider that the system they are considering
does indeed have the four XR-29 requirements installed and enabled.

Dose Optimization/Reduction
One of the biggest areas in CT research is dose optimization, that is, how can physicians and
radiology techs get images of sufficient diagnostic quality using as little overall radiation as
possible. These efforts have yielded some very effective tools that adjust dose during a CT
scan to optimal levels, depending on the thickness, attenuation, position, and even composition
of the anatomy in a given slice. As we mentioned earlier, these are called automatic exposure
controls (AEC). Most CT scanners manufactured in the last 5 - 7 years have AEC, but the
controls are known by names that are proprietary to each manufacturer.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 7
www.blockimaging.com
What Type of CT Scanner do I need? [continued]
There are also tools that have changed the way CT images are rendered so that better image
quality can be achieved with less radiation. This newer method is called iterative reconstruction
(IR).

IR begins its work after a slice has been captured, during the process of reconstructing
the image data into a fully-rendered picture. As a dose reduction tool, IR gets the job done
indirectly- without taking any action that raises or lowers the radiation level a patient is exposed
to during a scan.

The original method of CT image reconstruction, filtered back projection (FBP), is subject to
a certain amount of image noise which, at higher levels, can limit the diagnostic usefulness of
an image. One way to reduce image noise is to increase the radiation dose. While this can be
done within approved limits, it's not ideal. Reconstruction methods like IR (known by a number
of names, depending on the manufacturer) reduce image noise by starting with FBP data and
applying additional algorithms. This allows the CT tech to use a lower radiation dose to begin
with and get a less noisy image than reconstructing with FBP alone.

Please note that iterative reconstruction is NOT on the list of XR-29 requirements. We have
encountered a fairly common misconception that a compliant system must have IR, but this is
simply not the case.

As they do with AEC, each manufacturer has their own copyrighted IR program with a proprietary
name. Regardless of what they’re called, IR programs all work on the same principle and
toward the same goal. Please note, though: while IR programs are better for managing patient
radiation dose, they are not required for compliance with current regulations.

Iterative Automatic Exposure

Manufacturer
Resconstruction Program Controls
GE ASiR AutomA / SmartmA

Philps iDose DoseRight

Siemens SAFIRE / IRIS CARE Dose 4D

Toshiba AIDR SUREExposure

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 8
www.blockimaging.com
What Type of CT Scanner do I need? [continued]
Cooling System
Another factor to consider when searching for the right CT scanner is the method of cooling.
With the sheer quantity of electrical components operating inside a CT’s gantry, heat builds up
quickly. To compensate for this build-up and prevent equipment faults from overheating, there
are two main methods of heat dissipation: air cooling and water cooling.

Air-cooled systems rely on open ventilation through the external covers of the gantry
via fans. Some advantages of this cooling type include:

• No concerns over water quality

• A lower amount of preventative maintenance
• No need to purchase/maintain an external chiller unit
• Smaller footprint, fewer cabinets

Water-cooled systems rely on external chillers plumbed to a nearby water source. Some
advantages of this cooling type include:

• Fewer concerns involving inconsistent humidity or ambient temperature

• Do not require additional HVAC accommodations for the room itself
• Quieter, more comfortable scanning room
• Cleaner gantry (fans tend to pull in dust, hair, etc.)

Carefully considering the availability of utility hook-ups within your facility is an important part
of choosing your CT scanner. Think of the room you intend to have your CT installed in. Can it
easily accommodate a water-cooled system? How much remodeling will be required for your
plumbing infrastructure? Is your existing HVAC system sufficient to remove the excess heat
your scanner will generate?

Discover more about air-cooled versus water-cooled

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 9
www.blockimaging.com
What Type of CT Scanner do I need? [continued]
Software Options
The CT software options that are currently available are too numerous to list in one place. In
addition, many options that perform the same function are called by different names depending
on which OEM produced them. For brevity’s sake, we’ll talk about the options that we tend to
get requests for.

Radiation dose reduction is a headline issue right now and each OEM has its own highly-
touted programs to accomplish this. These include, but are not limited to, the IR and AEC
programs we mentioned earlier in this chapter.

We also receive requests for cardiac options, especially on 64-slice CT scanners. If you choose
to buy a new system these options will end up costing tens, or even hundreds, of thousands
of dollars. Before making that decision, it’s important to note that there’s rarely a reason to
buy a 64-slice without cardiac options or to have cardiac options on a CT with a slice count
lower than 64. This is especially true in the USA, where use of a 64 slice machine is required
to receive reimbursements on the cardiac tier. The result: a used 64-slice will most likely have
cardiac options enabled without having to pay a premium for them.

Many other software options are specialty-based. These include: perfusion, dental, bone
removal, fluoroscopy, oncology, and many others.

CT MAJOR MODEL OPTIONS

GE Philips Siemens Toshiba
LightSpeed VCT 64 Brilliance 64 Sensation 64 CX 128
LightSpeed VCT 32
Brilliance 40 Sensation 40 Aquilion 64
BrightSpeed 16
Brilliance 16 Definition AS+ Aquilion 32
LightSpeed 16
MX 8000 IDT 16 Definition AS Aquilion 16
BrightSpeed Edge 8
Emotion 16 Aquilion 8
LightSpeed Ultra 8
BrightSpeed Excel 4 Sensation 16 Aquilion 4
LightSpeed Plus 4 Emotion 6 Asteion 4
LightSpeed QX/I 4

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 10
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good,
refurbished CT cost?
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost?
Think of a perfect equipment purchase scenario- your “dream system” and the dream
circumstances in which to buy it. In that scenario, on a scale like the one below, all the most
important factors would be perfect scores, all the way to the right, yes?

WHICH CT FEATURES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

REFURBISHMENT
As-Is Cosmetic Refurbishment Full Refurbishment

TUBE LIFE
Used 4-5 Years 1/2 Life Brand New

OEM
Toshiba Philips Siemens GE

SLICE COUNT
1 or 2 4 8 16 32 64+

WARRANTY/SERVICE PLAN
First Scan 30 Day One Year 3-5 Year

SERVICE COST
Siemens Toshiba Philips GE

TUBE COVERAGE
No Coverage Prorated Full Coverage

Unfortunately, most of us are subject to one limitation or another that precludes us from that kind
of scenario, which means that compromises will need to be made. This is where it becomes
extremely helpful to work with a provider who gives you options; options that empower you
to slide along the scales and make the compromises where you prefer, so that what matters
most to you is as close to your ideal as possible. We can’t speak for every provider, but to give
you an idea of the options you may encounter on the market, we’ll share with you the options
Block Imaging offers.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 12
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost? [continued]
Refurbishment

One area in which you have some choices is your level of refurbishment. When we talk about
these options, there are generally three ways you can go:

As-Is
This option actually foregoes refurbishment and its associated costs altogether. The
system is purchased in the condition it is found. Basic inspection and testing are
performed to confirm that the scanner is fully functional and any damage or wear and tear
the system might have are not inordinate or likely to be the cause of an imminent failure.

Cosmetic Refurbishment
This option includes the testing and inspection
of an as-is purchase but adds cosmetic
reconditioning to restore the system to a like-
new appearance. This means a deep clean,
filling of dents and scratches, a fresh coat of
paint, and replacement of any damaged trim
pieces, logos, or decals.

Full Refurbishment
This is the most inclusive option. If you are interested in it, ask your vendor for
a list of their refurbishment steps. If you are working with an ISO-certified vendor,
this will be a document that they have on hand. Below is a list of Block Imaging’s
CT refurbishment procedures. Quality refurbishment programs will have a similar
checklist as well:

Decontaminate: remove biohazards

Block Imaging performs internal and external cleaning plus dust removal and fully
decontaminates the CT including deleting patient data for HIPAA Compliance.

Stage CT: set up for testing, examine/identify components for repair or replacement
This involves an initial evaluation report including mechanical performance, tube
performance, and QA phantom test scans for image quality.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 13
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost? [continued]
Cosmetic Reconditioning: restore original body
Covers are prepped for painting and dents and scratches are filled and sanded. The CT
is completely repainted and damaged decals, keypad overlays, and logos are replaced.

Component Replacement: repair or replace damaged components

Any components that fail functional testing are removed and either sent to a technician
for repair or replaced.

Calibration: ensure CT is performing at or above OEM quality standards

Technical calibration is completed per OEM-specified procedures.

Access the Video: Turning Used CT Scanners into Refurbished CT Scanners

While a refurbishment process is just one of several factors that will determine your final system
cost, it is an important indication of a provider’s capabilities and the level of quality they are
committed to delivering. If you’re considering a fully refurbished system, take the time to learn
about what steps will be taken to restore your equipment.

Tube Life
Looking into a used or refurbished CT scanner means looking into an X-ray tube that has already
done some scanning. Because tubes are an integral component and not interchangeable, they
are expensive to replace. Because of this cost (between $15,000 and $220,000), a system
with more remaining tube life will carry a higher value.

How to Measure CT Tube Usage: 3 Methods Compared

OEM
Your system price will also be affected by which manufacturer produced it. Much of this is
a matter of supply and demand. Some makes and models are very popular and do not last
long on the market after they are posted for resale. These will command a higher price than
systems that can be found virtually anywhere.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 14
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost? [continued]
Slice Count/Software
These two cost drivers represent a fairly simple correlation: more slices/options means more
cost. How many slices and which software options you really need will depend on the nature
of the work you do and your patient volume (current or projected).

Warranty/Service Plan
Another cost factor you’ll encounter will be the type of warranty or service agreement you
choose. Different providers offer different forms of coverage, but here are some examples from
Block Imaging’s offerings, from lowest to highest cost.

First-Scan Warranty
This is a very basic form of warranty coverage and doesn’t involve any additional cost.
A first-scan warranty is a commitment to install and calibrate the system in a manner
that meets or exceeds OEM specifications for image quality, cosmetic appearance,
and overall performance. Essentially, it’s a guarantee to assume responsibility for
your equipment until the point of its first patient scan.

30-Day Warranty
This warranty extends the provider’s liability for a month after the system is installed.
Just like our longer service plans, costs associated with parts, materials, and labor
are assumed by the provider for any equipment failure that happens during or as a
result of normal operation and wear and tear. In the case of Block Imaging Service,
warranty coverage also includes an assigned service representative to manage your
account as well as 24/7 call center access.

One-Year Service Plan

A one-year plan takes the same coverage as the 30-day plan and extends it for
another 11 months.

Three-Year+ Service Plan

Once again, the coverage of this plan is the same as a 30-day plan, but extended.
There is an added advantage with multi-year plans, however, in that agreeing to
purchase multiple years of coverage in advance, the cost for each year goes down.
The longer the service plan term, the less each year will cost. Most service plan
offers top out at a maximum of five years.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 15
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost? [continued]
Service Cost
Which OEM made your system will also determine the cost of ongoing service and maintenance,
For example, GE CT scanners dominate the U.S. market so here in the states there are many
trained engineers to work on them and plenty of spare parts to repair them. This ease and
availability make for an increased up-front cost, but reduced ongoing costs and overall savings.
Scenarios like this exist for other scanners depending on where in the world you operate and
where in the world you buy.

Discover what full service coverage for CT scanners will likely cost you

Tube Coverage
Another option that will affect your cost is coverage for your X-ray tube. All tubes eventually
wear out and need to be replaced but, depending on your budget and your appetite for risk,
you may or may not feel that coverage is necessary.

Full Coverage
On the right side of the scale you’ll find full coverage. With this option, a monthly fee
is charged and, in the event of a tube failure, your provider is liable for a replacement.
This can be a very valuable proposition as, in some cases, the cost of just a tube is
almost as much as the cost of covering the rest of the system.

Prorated Coverage
With prorated coverage, you gradually assume liability on the replacement cost of
your tube. If your coverage starts January 1st and your tube needs replacement 60%
of the way through the year (July), you pay for 60% of the tube and the vendor pays
for 40%. If your tube makes it into say, September, you pay 80% of the tube cost and
the vendor pays 20%, and so on.

No Coverage
In this scenario, you only spend on your tube when it fails. There is no monthly
payment, but you are completely liable for the cost of the tube itself and the
engineering labor to have it installed.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 16
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost? [continued]
Current Averages

To help you build even more accurate expectations of price, refer to the chart below for current
average pricing on a number of systems that are relatively common on the used/refurbished
market. Prices on the chart include delivery, installation, and a first-scan warranty.

Want to see customized pricing for your CT project? Use this handy form to describe your requirements.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 17
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost? [continued]
Additional Costs
With a ballpark average in mind for your CT itself, you should also be aware of some options
and accessories that will also be a part of your overall costs. And- to make sure this project is
considered from all angles, we’ll talk about a few costs that probably won’t come from your CT
provider, but will still be essential to a quality, compliant finish.

CT Accessories
Not every set-up will require all (or any) of these accessories, but they are all used in
a wide variety of applications. If you need them, they will constitute an additional cost.

Injectors: An injector will generally cost between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on
its age and whether or not it is a single or a dual-head unit.

ECG Trigger Monitors: These will be necessary if your

site intends to monitor the vital signs of a patient in the
scan room. Their average price ranges between $5,000
and $10,000 used.

Workstations: There are a variety of workstations

that can be added to CT scanners for reading and
manipulating images. Workstations can also be
added to enable a system with software options that
aren’t standard features. Some common workstations
include GE’s AWW, Siemens’ Leonardo, Wizard, and
Navigator, and Philips’ Extended Brilliance Workstation.
Workstation pricing varies based on the age of the workstation, the software options
that are loaded on it, and whether or not the workstation is available on the used
market. A 10 year-old, used workstation for a single or dual-slice machine can cost
as little as $2,000. On the other hand, a three or four year-old workstation set up for a
64-slice CT can cost $15,000 to $30,000 on the used market or $80,000 to $120,000
purchased new.

Radiation Therapy Lasers: These oncology accessories average around $8,000 to

$45,000 depending on the number needed and whether or not the lasers are fixed
or movable.

Treatment Planning Workstations: This workstation is specifically related to

planning cancer treatments. Treatment planning workstations vary greatly depending
on the level of the software packages that are purchased along with them. They start
around $10,000 and can cost upwards of $100,000 with the latest applications.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 18
www.blockimaging.com
How much does a good, refurbished CT cost? [continued]
Applications Training
Applications training, or apps training as it is commonly shortened to, is a
comprehensive program that walks CT techs through all aspects of a system, from
basics like turning the unit on and off to quality assurance tests and patient positioning
for all study types.

In most cases, an applications trainer will customize the protocols for the particular
studies your facility will perform most often.

Apps training is a must for users that are new to the CT modality and it is not cheap.
A day or two is recommended for the machine to have its protocols set up and for any
workflow issues to be settled.

Prices can vary anywhere from $1,500 - $5,000 dollars per day, not including travel
expenses for the trainer. On the other hand, apps trainers are often accredited and
can provide techs with the value-added benefit of continuing education credits for the
days that they are in training.

If your techs have a high level of familiarity with systems similar to your incoming
purchase, it may not be necessary to provide all of them with full apps training.
However, if a CT is being moved from one type of facility to a drastically different
one (say from a pediatric site to an ER), an apps trainer may be needed to build
the new protocols. Talk to your installer about providing an “in-service” or system
demonstration of use in either case. This is sometimes referred to as “buttonology”
or “knobology” and is essentially a basic tech tutorial.

Whether you need “buttonology” or a full three days with an apps trainer, it is
imperative to communicate with your CT tech staff and get a clear understanding of
what they do and do not know.

A Final Word on Cost

Once the details of a CT project are broken out, a simple response to the cost question emerges:
Prices vary too much for a one-size-fits-all answer. The best way to begin is selecting a vendor
who takes the time to understand all of your specific goals for the CT project. Your volume, ideal
timeline, technologist’s experience, room size, budget, physician’s demands and competitor’s
equipment are just a few of the factors that a vendor must understand in presenting the best
equipment and service solution.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 19
www.blockimaging.com
How Do I Plan My
CT Project?
How Do I Plan My CT Project?
Site Prep
Preparing your facility for the installation of a CT may require you to work with a variety of
specialists including (but not limited to): building contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC
technicians, architects, and physicists. Each of these people will represent a different company
with a different pricing structure, some of which will vary yet again by region. With this many
possibilities, we can’t offer any firm numbers to budget your remodeling and site prep, but we can
offer a few items to help set your procedural expectations and point out some valuable caveats:

• Choose a CT provider that has project managers. While you can navigate a CT
project successfully without a project manager, you can make the process much
smoother, less stressful, and less likely to be delayed with a project manager's help.

• Once you’ve settled on which CT system you intend to purchase, forward a drawing
of your space from an architect to your project manager as soon as possible. Their
site planner will propose a room layout from this drawing.

• Check your state requirements for warning lights and door switches or interlocks. The
specification and installation of these items will require interaction by your architect,
installer, electrician, and builder. These requirements and their connection to your CT
are a common source of delays if not investigated in advance of the project.

• Involve HVAC contractors early in the project to help avoid delays. A drafty scan
room can be just as much of an HVAC problem as an overheated room. Proper
scan room temperature makes things comfortable for both the CT and your patients
(hospital gowns aren’t particularly well-insulated).

• Several drafts of the room layout will probably pass back and forth. When a final
layout is agreed upon, your project manager may schedule a preliminary visit from
the installing engineer. One visit is often enough, but this could be the first of two or
three, depending on the extent
of the room modifications.

• If you have purchased a water-

cooled CT, you will need access
to water lines for your chiller.
Your plumbing and HVAC
contractors will collaborate on
this installation.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 21
www.blockimaging.com
How Do I Plan My CT Project? [continued]

• Most CT scanners will need 480V, 3-phase power. Pricing will depend upon your
electrician, but this can be one of the more costly components of a scan room
remodeling.

• Consider dimmable lighting for the scan room. The softer settings help reduce glare
that impairs the CT tech’s view of the room and are a comfort factor for patients. The
brighter settings are ideal for cleaning and system maintenance.

• Your scanning room will need to be lined with leaded drywall to shield the surrounding
areas from radiation. This can be installed by your building contractor like regular
drywall, but the material costs will be drastically higher. The cost per sheet is
determined by the thickness of the lead lining, and because thickness requirements
are dictated by local authorities, lining prices will vary from region to region.

• The control room will need a leaded window for viewing patients and a leaded access
door. Once again, your building contractor can install these materials. Pricing on both
will vary by the thickness of the glass/lead and whether or not your state requires
door switches or interlocks.

Access the CT scanner site planning checklist here

Once your contractors have the proper utility hook-ups, doors, lighting, and radiation shielding
in place, your space is ready to receive your CT scanner.

Installation
CT installation typically begins with a 2-man crew, arriving early on the scanner's delivery
date. They may bring their tools with them or, for installations especially far from their home
office, they may ship a crate of tools to your facility. In the latter case, you'll be notified to be
on the lookout for the crate a day or two before the installation start date. Your installer may
also request a secure space to store tools and equipment during the course of the installation.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 22
www.blockimaging.com
How Do I Plan My CT Project? [continued]

Shortly after arrival, your install crew will confirm that the system's entry path is clear of
obstruction and prepare it with protective floor covering as needed.

Delivery of the CT Scanner

When the truck arrives, the installers will
accept and sign for it as well as assist with
unloading. Depending on the layout of
your facility, this may include blocking off
several parking spaces to ensure access
and adequate maneuvering space. Once
the system is off the truck, the installers
will take it into the building.

Mechanical Installation
The first phase of the actual scanner setup is the mechanical side of things. This
involves unpacking all the components, running all of the cables, positioning the
table and gantry, and mounting them permanently. Please note: At some point
during this process you'll need to have an electrician on site to connect the system to
your facility's power. We recommend contacting them in advance and having them
tentatively "on call" during the first day or two of your scanner's installation.

When the mechanical installation is complete, all tools and supplies will packed up
and removed. All packaging materials will be disposed of, and the room will be swept
clean. The mechanical team will also wipe down the scanner itself to remove any
dust left over from the shipping or installation processes.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 23
www.blockimaging.com
How Do I Plan My CT Project? [continued]

System Calibration
During the final day of installation, a calibration engineer will arrive to begin calibrating
the system to OEM specifications. This engineer will also see to any challenges that may
arise during this time to ensure a fully functional, patient-ready scanner.

When calibrations are complete, the engineer will walk you through the unit, showing
you the components and basic operation. We refer to this as a system demonstration
of use. This general tutorial should not be confused with the applications training
courses we mentioned earlier.

Documentation
The last step for your install crew is the paperwork. The calibrating engineer will fill
out the required form, FDA 2579, and leave a copy on site for your records. You may
also be asked to sign a form indicating that the installation has been completed to
your satisfaction and that you have accepted the system. It is recommended that you
keep in touch with your project manager for an estimated time of completion so the
appropriate team member(s), with the appropriate knowledge and authority, can be
on hand to conduct a final inspection as well as sign for system approval.

Post-Installation
Once your CT scanner is in your building, secured in place, and calibrated, the installation is complete.
You’re ready to move on to the last few steps that will prepare you to scan your first patients.

Physicist’s Visit
Before your system is given the go-ahead to scan patients, a state-licensed radiation
physicist will need to conduct an inspection on it for functionality, image quality, and
radiation dose parameters. A medical physicist is specially trained in the electrical,
mechanical, and radiation physics of medical equipment. Booking the physicist visit
is your facility's responsibility. Your project manager or your state's health/radiation
authorities can provide you with a referral to the correct professional.

IT Networking
You’ll need to communicate with your IT specialists to ensure that the proper
networking connections are available in the scan room for the engineer to connect
the system to the facility PACS network. They may also need to cooperate with the
installing engineer to ensure that the correct networking information is entered into
the CT system’s workstation.

Host Applications Training

When your system is fully functional and networked, your apps trainer can build your
protocols and guide your team through everything from positioning a patient to be scanned
to sending the images to your PACS network to be reviewed. If your team requires this
training, it can be conducted before or after your physicist inspects the scanner.

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 24
www.blockimaging.com
Next Steps &
Additional Resources
Next Steps & Additional Resources
As you’ve just read, there are a lot of things to consider as you prepare to step out into the CT scanner
marketplace. We hope the information in this guide has helped you build a better idea of which equipment
you need, how much you should budget for it, and how you can better prepare for its arrival.

If you have questions that weren’t covered in this guide, we’re happy to help you find answers. You can
also use the banner below to tell us about your project, or give us a call at 517.668.8800.

Request a custom quote for your CT scanner requirements

Keep reading about CTs in these additional articles:

NEMA Standard XR-29 Compliance Reading Guide
CT Scanner Service Success Story
Imaging Equipment Service: Cost vs. Quality
CT Scanner Site Planning Checklist

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is BEST FOR YOU?
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and we’ll help find the right fit for you]

Find out which CT scanner is best for you

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit 26
www.blockimaging.com