In this guide, we’ll walk you through the factors to consider to make an informed choice.
Understanding Mobile CT Scanners
Our need for swift and accurate diagnostic imaging has never been greater today. Enter the mobile CT scanner – a technological marvel reshaping how medical professionals approach diagnostic imaging.
Definition and Functionality
Mobile CT scanners are imaging devices designed for mobility. They offer the same diagnostic capabilities as their fixed counterparts but with the added advantage of being easily transportable. These scanners operate on the same principles as traditional CT scanners by using X-rays to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are typically housed in specially designed trailers or vehicles, making them adaptable to a wide range of clinical scenarios.
Key Features and Components
Mobile CT scanners come equipped with essential features and components, including an X-ray tube, detectors, a patient table, and a computer system for image processing. They are designed to be user-friendly, enabling quick setup and operation in various healthcare environments.
Identifying Your Specific Needs
Selecting the ideal mobile CT scanner for your facility is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It requires a comprehensive understanding of your specific needs, constraints, and aspirations.
Facility or Practice Requirements
Mobile CT scanners are versatile and can be employed in different healthcare settings.
Hospitals: Hospitals often require CT scanners for emergency situations and to cover imaging needs throughout the facility. High patient volume and diverse cases necessitate versatile and efficient mobile units.
Clinics: Clinics typically have a lower patient volume than hospitals and might need a more compact and budget-friendly CT scanner. Efficiency and versatility are still key, but space and budget constraints often come into play.
Mobile Units: These units are often used in remote or underserved areas, offering diagnostic imaging capabilities on wheels. Space and mobility constraints are more significant in this scenario, as the unit must be easily transportable.
Patient Volume and Case Types
Your facility’s patient volume and case types impact what capabilities the chosen mobile CT scanner needs to possess.
High Patient Volume: If your facility sees a high number of patients daily, you’ll need a scanner with quick image acquisition and a streamlined workflow. Multislice scanners are often preferred in this scenario.
Case Types: Consider the cases you’re handling. If you frequently deal with complex cases like cardiac or neurological imaging, a scanner with high resolution and specialized imaging modes might be necessary.
Space and Mobility Constraints
Your facility’s physical layout and space also influence your choice.
Space Constraints: In smaller clinics, space might be limited. Compact or portable mobile CT scanners could be more appropriate for such.
Mobility Constraints: If you operate a mobile unit, your scanner should be designed for mobility and quick deployment.
Not all scanners are created equal; their differences impact efficiency, patient care, and radiation safety.
High-Resolution vs. Low-Dose Scanners
High-Resolution Scanners
Applications: High-resolution scanners excel in areas such as cardiac imaging, neuroimaging, and detailed anatomical assessments.
Image Quality: These scanners produce images with exceptional clarity and fine details, making them perfect for complex diagnostic tasks.
Radiation Dose: They may deliver a higher radiation dose compared to low-dose scanners, so careful dose management is essential.
Low-Dose Scanners
Applications: Low-dose scanners are well-suited for routine diagnostic imaging where high radiation doses aren’t necessary.
Patient Safety: They are the preferred choice for pediatric, routine screenings, and scenarios where minimizing radiation exposure is critical.
Image Quality: Image quality is good, although not as detailed as high-resolution scanners.
CT Scanner Slices
When choosing a CT scanner, one of the early specifications that come up is the number of slices. In the second-hand market, CT scanners with slice counts of 16, 32, 40, 64, and 128 are commonly available. More recently, 256 and 320-slice CT scanners have also become available. Systems with 4 and 8 slices are still in the market but are being phased out.
The number of slices in a CT scanner significantly impacts the time it takes to perform a CT scan. Higher slice counts offer reduced scan times, higher patient throughput, lower radiation doses, and more detailed images with fewer artifacts. Additionally, CT scanners with higher slice counts offer options for advanced imaging, such as cardiac exams. However, a higher number of slices also means a higher price.
Therefore, when deciding on a CT slice count, you should balance your clinical needs, patient flow targets, and budget. Doing so lets you determine the most appropriate slice count for your facility.
Brands
The major brands of CT scanners are Toshiba (now known as Canon Medical), Siemens, GE, and Philips. All of them have a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality CT scanners, and their used systems hold a high value. You may have a personal preference for a particular brand, so consider this also in choosing the CT scanner for your facility.
The effectiveness of mobile CT scanners in diagnosing medical conditions greatly depends on their technical specifications. The quality of imaging, speed of diagnostics, and management of radiation exposure all play a crucial role in providing the best possible patient care.
Imaging Quality and Resolution
Resolution: Higher resolution scanners provide clearer, more detailed images, which are vital for complex diagnostic tasks such as identifying minute anatomical structures or detecting subtle anomalies.
Noise Reduction: Advanced noise reduction technologies can significantly improve image quality by minimizing artifacts and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Special Imaging Modes: Some mobile CT scanners offer specialized imaging modes for particular diagnostic needs, such as angiography, which is essential for visualizing blood vessels.
Scanning Speed and Throughput
Scan Time: Faster scanning times reduce patient discomfort and allow for more patients to be examined in a given time, improving overall efficiency.
Reconstruction Time: Efficient data reconstruction is crucial for quick diagnosis and immediate patient management, so opt for a scanner that can quickly process the acquired data.
Patient Throughput: The scanner’s ability to handle a high volume of patients is also a significant factor, especially in busy healthcare facilities.
Radiation Dose Management
Dose Optimization: Modern mobile CT scanners are equipped with dose optimization features that automatically adjust radiation exposure based on the patient’s size and the area being scanned.
Low-Dose Modes: Some scanners offer low-dose modes, which are particularly valuable for procedures requiring minimal radiation exposure.
Dose Monitoring: The ability to monitor and record radiation doses ensures quality assurance compliance with regulatory requirements.
Connectivity and Data Storage Options
Network Compatibility: Make sure the scanner can connect to your hospital’s network for data transfer and storage, allowing physicians to access images from various locations.
Cloud Storage: Some mobile CT scanners offer cloud storage options, which can be beneficial for backup and remote access.
Software and Compatibility With Existing Systems
User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive interface makes the scanner easy to operate and minimizes the learning curve for staff.
Compatibility With Existing Systems: The mobile CT scanner’s software should be compatible with your existing hospital information systems (HIS) and electronic medical records (EMR) for streamlined workflows.
Advanced Post-Processing Tools: Many modern scanners include advanced post-processing software for tasks like 3D reconstruction, making them invaluable for complex cases.
Finalizing Your Decision
Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of your top mobile CT scanner choices. Carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each option to determine which one best aligns with your facility’s needs.
Pros:
Optimal Features: Identify the unique advantages and beneficial features offered by each scanner, such as high-resolution imaging, advanced post-processing tools, or specialized imaging modes.
Efficiency: Assess how each option can streamline your diagnostic workflow, reduce patient wait times, and enhance the overall efficiency of your facility.
Safety: Consider the measures in place for radiation dose management and patient safety.
Compliance: Your chosen scanner should be compliant with regulatory requirements.
Budget Fit: Evaluate whether the scanner aligns with your budget constraints.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Assess the training and learning curve required for your staff to operate the scanner effectively.
Space: Ensure the scanner’s physical dimensions are compatible with your facility’s available space.
Technical Support: Investigate the availability and quality of technical support, which is crucial for addressing any issues promptly.
Seek out customer reviews to gain insights into the real-world experiences of healthcare facilities that have used the scanner. You may also contact facilities that have used the scanner you are considering and ask for their feedback and recommendations. These references and personal experiences can offer valuable information about the provider’s reliability, performance, and customer support.
Contact Catalina Imaging for Your Mobile CT Scanner Needs
We’ve covered the factors to consider in your decision-making process, and we encourage you to take deliberate and informed steps to select the most suitable CT scanner for your requirements. Your choice will ultimately impact the quality of care you provide and the well-being of your patients.
What our clients are saying about Catalina Imaging.
“The first time we used Catalina was based strictly on the referral from an associate, but we called them when we needed a mobile CT service again because they did a good job the first time.”
– Bill Alexander
Radiology Manager, St. Lukes Elmore Medical Center
“They provided daily calls to make sure the equipment was working properly and if there were ever any issues they were incredibly responsive. We've used them twice and both times were very good experiences.”
– Patty Brodehl
Radiology Manager, Dameron Hospital
“Initially we went with them because of the price and recommendation of someone else. Their follow up after delivery was great.”
– Marvin Sik
Radiology Manager, Memorial Hospital Converse
“We used Catalina Imaging because of their quick response time and flexibility with the duration of the contract. Also we use Toshiba so Catalina was a good fit.”
– David Broderick
Radiology Manager, Heber Valley Medical Center
“It's expected that problems will arise when using a mobile imaging service. What impressed me most was how fast they responded and how far they are willing to go to satisfy their client.”
– Ahmed
Radiology Manager, Victor Valley Medical Center
“Catalina Imaging was referred to us by another client and we were extremely satisfied. Everything they did for us was a 10 out of 10.”
