The incredible imaging capacity of computed tomography (CT) has pushed the medical industry to staggering heights. Unfortunately, CT scans have yet to help out the majority of medics in the battlefields, ambulance crews rushing to emergency situations, and even emergency room doctors. This is because conventional CT scanners are practically behemoths, weighing roughly 4,000 kilograms as well as requiring high-voltage capacities to power massive cooling systems and climate-controlled radiology rooms.
Above: An image produced from a 16 slide CT scan system.
The lack of convenient and quick access to CT scans, especially when dealing with stroke or injuries involving brain trauma, has become a critical issue in the medical industry. Despite the continuous advancements in this realm of imaging technique, the immobility of CT scans has been a pain point that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This is where the portable CT scanner comes in.
Around the 1990s, two types of CT scanners emerged. One is the “fixed” CT scanner, which refers to the huge machines still found in the majority of hospitals across the globe. The second is the mobile CT scanner, or the “portable” CT machine, which is lightweight and can be easily transported.
History of the Mobile CT Scanner
While there is no specific time and date that could pinpoint the first time a portable CT scanner was used, in 1949 came a surge in demand for “mobile health care.” Around the 1970s, the world’s first mobile CT scanner was launched by Medical Coaches Inc. via their founder Ian Smith’s deal with Peru.
This mobile CT scanner focused primarily on head scans and attempted to provide cross-sectional images of the heart as well. Apart from this, the mobile healthcare unit at the time also provided ultrasounds for pregnant women to evaluate the status of their hearts, gallbladders, breasts, and livers.
What are mobile CT scanners used for nowadays?
Throughout the years, the demand for a mobile CT scanner has increased exponentially due to the influx of incidents where medics have failed to swiftly provide care to stroke patients. These incidents paved the way to the study of utilizing and funding mobile stroke units (MSUs) in 2003. In 2008, the first-ever clinical application of an MSU was conducted atSaarland University in Germany.
Above: A modern MSU.
The initiative was rooted in the idea of “bringing the hospital to the patient,” which eventually decreased the waiting period from the initial distress call to therapy. More importantly, the presence of a portable CT scanner in these MSUs ensured that the professionals could treat patients quickly and accurately during emergencies.
Gradually, the need for MSUs featuring computed tomography equipment inspired 20 more sites across the globe. In January 2014, Houston’s Frazer Ltd designed and released the first MSU in the United States. Basing its setup on the recommendations of neurologists, the company incorporated a portable CT scanner in its hospital on wheels to drastically cut down on treatment time. By 2016, New York’s Presbyterian Hospital became the first to field an MSU on the East Coast and reached a total of three functioning MSUs by 2018.
Another hospital that’s taking advantage of MSUs and portable CT scanners is theUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center. Aside from the mobile CT scanner, the 14-ton ambulance is also equipped with tools that can infuse early fluids to their stroke patients as well as dye blood vessels to figure out the kind of stroke. Given that Tennessee has been identified as a “stroke belt,” this technology has been a life-changer for a lot of people.
The Memphis MSU staff takes only 13 to 14 minutes to provide treatment to their patients, which covers their response to the scene up to the application of medications to the veins – a far cry from the 40 to 50 minutes these tasks take in emergency rooms.
Neurologists have been hoping for more portable CT scanners, particularly in intensive care units. The availability of a mobile CT scanner on hand would exponentially increase their efficiency, eliminating the need to transfer patients and all medical personnel to the location of the humongous fixed CT scanner.
Final thoughts
Computed tomography has evolved in an impressive way over the past 40 years. While it might be nearly impossible for the world to reach the advanced level of technology presented in Star Trek, where doctors can simply wave their wands to instantly diagnose their patients, this rapidly developing niche in radiology seems to be getting there.
Unveiling the History and Technological Marvel of CT Scanner
Computed Tomography (CT) scans—or computerized axial tomography (CAT)—have become an essential part of modern healthcare due to their precision and adaptability. These diagnostic tools have been used in medical imaging for several decades and have undergone improvements to increase safety and reduce radiation exposure since the 1970s.
CT scans enable healthcare professionals to detect and diagnose various medical conditions with unmatched accuracy.
And what makes CT scans even more remarkable is their portability, thanks to the advent of mobile CT scanners, which made these advanced imaging capabilities accessible at the bedside, in emergency rooms, and even in remote locations.
Mobile CT scanners are transforming the way medical imaging is conducted, saving lives, improving patient care, and enhancing healthcare efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the history and mechanisms behind CT scanners and how they’re empowering healthcare providers to deliver exceptional care.
The Surprising Connection Between the Beatles and the Invention of the CT Scan
Although CT scans are associated with science and technology, their origins may surprise you. The pioneering technology has a fascinating connection to rock and roll, specifically the phenomenal success of The Beatles in the 1960s.
Rumor has it that Electric and Music Industries (EMI), which owned Abbey Road Studios and catapulted the band to stardom, channeled the enormous profits from The Beatles’ albums in the 1960s into funding pioneering research. At their peak, The Beatles’ record and ticket sales earned approximately $650 a second in today’s money.
But EMI was more than just a record label; they had a significant presence in the electrical industry. In 1959, they launched the EMIDEC 1100, a commercial computer that marked their foray into technology. They also invested in medical equipment research, which eventually led to a groundbreaking innovation.
Godfrey Hounsfield, a key figure in the EMIDEC project, began developing the first medical scanner. With substantial support from the UK government (£600,000, equivalent to £7 million today), Hounsfield and his team spent four years inventing and building the first computed tomography scanner.
Godfrey Hounsfield stands beside the EMI-Scanner in 1972. PA Images via Getty Images
In a remarkable twist, fans who grooved to hits like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “PS I Love You,” “Love Me Do,” and their iconic cover of “Twist and Shout” inadvertently contributed to this revolutionary technology.
EMI’s Pioneering Work in Medical Imaging Technology
In 1972, British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield co-invented the technology with physicist Dr. Allan Cormack. They were jointly awarded the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Hounsfield was knighted in 1981, becoming Sir Godfrey Hounsfield.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Hounsfield had no formal qualifications, having left school at 16. Hence, all the degrees bestowed upon him were honorary. He also never got married, claiming not to have established a permanent residence until he was 60. Initially, his work at EMI focused on radar and guided weaponry, and his peers described him as a “crank.” Hounsfield passed away in 2004 at 84.
The Inspiration Behind the CT Scanner
Hounsfield’s idea for the CT scanner came to him while on vacation, when he wanted to reconstruct a 3D picture of a box by imagining it as a series of slices. This inspired thought led to further EMI research and funding, and the first commercially viable CT scanner was installed at Atkinson’s Morley Hospital in 1971.
The First Human Patient
To transition the brain scanner to mainstream medicine, Hounsfield collaborated with consultant radiologist James Ambrose. They created a prototype to study preserved human and animal organs.
The first human patient, a middle-aged woman believed to have a brain tumor, was scanned on October 1, 1971, by James Ambrose. This procedure took several days to complete, requiring meticulous effort and patience.
Each scan, or “slice,” took 30 minutes to capture, and the raw data was stored on magnetic tapes. These tapes were then transported across town, where the data was processed on an EMI mainframe computer over 2.5 hours. Finally, a Polaroid camera was used to capture the reconstructed image, which was rushed back to the hospital.
The wait was worth it – the scan revealed a cystic mass, approximately the size of a plum, in the woman’s left frontal lobe. This groundbreaking moment marked the obsolescence of all other brain imaging methods.
Milestone in Medical Imaging: The Rise of CT Scanners
The popularity of CT scans skyrocketed, with a staggering 3 million examinations conducted by 1980, transforming the field of medical imaging forever.
How CT Scans Work
CT scanners work by taking a series of X-ray images from different angles around the body, which are then processed by a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images or “slices.” These slices provide a three-dimensional view of the area of interest, allowing healthcare professionals to examine it from various angles and depths.
X-ray Tube: The heart of a CT scanner is an X-ray tube that emits a controlled, narrow X-ray beam. This beam passes through the body, and the amount of radiation absorbed by the body’s tissues is detected.
Detectors: Opposite the X-ray tube, a set of detectors measures the X-ray radiation that reaches them. These detectors record the intensity of the X-rays after they’ve passed through the body.
Rotation: The X-ray tube and detectors are housed in a gantry, a circular structure that rotates around the patient, capturing X-ray images from various angles. During this rotation, thousands of X-ray projections are collected.
Data Processing: The raw data collected by the detectors is sent to a computer for processing. The computer uses complex algorithms to reconstruct these data points into detailed cross-sectional images.
Image Display: The final reconstructed images are displayed on a monitor, and healthcare professionals can analyze them to make diagnoses, plan treatments, or guide surgical procedures.
Applications of CT Scans in Clinical Settings
CT scans are an indispensable diagnostic tool in various clinical settings, offering exceptional versatility in detecting a wide range of conditions and anatomical structures.
Some of the key areas where CT scans are used include:
Injuries: CT scans are excellent for detecting fractures, traumatic injuries, and internal bleeding. They provide detailed images of bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels, helping healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses and determine the extent of injuries.
Cancer: CT scans are valuable in cancer diagnosis and staging. They can visualize tumors and their characteristics to inform treatment decisions and monitor treatment progress over time.
Neurological Conditions: CT scans can visualize the brain and spine, making them crucial for diagnosing conditions like strokes, brain tumors, aneurysms, and herniated discs.
Abdominal and Pelvic Disorders: CT scans evaluate the abdomen and pelvis for conditions like appendicitis, kidney stones, inflammatory bowel disease, and organ abnormalities.
Infections: CT scans can identify areas of infection or abscesses in the body.
Guidance for Procedures: CT scans guide interventional procedures like biopsies, fluid drainage, and medical device placement (e.g., catheters).
Breaking down Barriers in Medical Imaging With Portable CT Scanners
The remarkable imaging capabilities of CT scans have pushed the medical industry to staggering heights, but a significant gap remains in providing timely access to CT scans in critical situations.
Conventional CT scanners, weighing around 4,000 kilograms and requiring high-voltage power and climate-controlled rooms, have limited their use in battlefields, ambulances, and emergency rooms.
The unmet need for convenient and rapid CT scans, particularly in cases of stroke and brain trauma, has become a pressing concern in the medical community. Despite advancements in imaging techniques, the immobility of traditional CT scanners has been a long-standing pain point.
So, the introduction of portable CT scanners has revolutionized the field.
In the 1970s, Medical Coaches Inc., founded by Ian Smith, launched the world’s first mobile CT scanner in Peru, marking a significant milestone in medical history.
The pioneering mobile CT scanner primarily focused on head scans and attempted to provide cross-sectional images of the heart. Additionally, the mobile healthcare unit offered ultrasound services for pregnant women to assess the health of their hearts, gallbladders, breasts, and livers.
This comprehensive approach to mobile healthcare set the stage for future advancements in portable CT scanners and their impact on medical care.
Mobile Stroke Units: Emergency Care With Portable CT Scanners
The demand for mobile CT scanners has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by the urgent need to provide swift care to stroke patients.
The concept of “bringing the hospital to the patient” significantly reduced the waiting period from the initial distress call to therapy. More importantly, the presence of a portable CT scanner in these MSUs enabled professionals to treat patients quickly and accurately during emergencies.
In 2010, the University Hospital of the Saarland shared their initial results of the first MSU. They showed that it worked with an average call-to-decision time of 35 minutes.
Many more MSUs have been created and deployed since then. The first MSU in the United States was developed in Houston, Texas, and has been in clinical use since May 2014.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has also embraced MSUs and portable CT scanners, equipping their 14-ton ambulance with tools for early fluid infusion and dye blood vessel analysis. Given Tennessee’s status as a “stroke belt,” this technology has been a game-changer for many patients.
The Memphis MSU staff achieves remarkable response times, providing treatment in just 13-14 minutes – a significant improvement over the 40-50 minutes typically spent in emergency rooms.
Neurologists are eager for more portable CT scanners, particularly in intensive care units. The availability of a mobile CT scanner on hand would exponentially increase efficiency, eliminating the need for patient and personnel transfer to fixed CT scanners.
Discover the cutting-edge mobile CT scanners from Catalina Imaging, designed to deliver exceptional image quality and unparalleled patient care. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Reach out to us at info@catalinaimaging.com or (844) 949-1664 to learn more about our fleets.
Improving Emergency Medicine With Mobile CT Scanners’ Portability and Speed
Mobile CT scanners operate on the same fundamental principles as traditional stationary CT scanners but boast a compact and portable design, enabling effortless transport to various locations, such as emergency rooms, operating rooms, or even ambulances.
The mobility of these devices has made it possible to bring CT scanning capabilities to the point of care, a remarkable feat in global healthcare delivery, especially in time-sensitive and critical situations.
How Mobile CT Scanners Work
Here’s an overview of how CT scans are performed using mobile CT scanners:
Patient Preparation: The patient is positioned on a specialized CT examination table, which is often adjustable to optimize scanning accuracy. Proper patient positioning is crucial for obtaining high-quality images.
Gantry and Scanner Mobility: The gantry, housing the X-ray tube and detectors, is positioned around the patient, allowing for quick and efficient imaging without moving the patient.
X-ray Emission and Data Collection: The X-ray tube emits a controlled X-ray beam that passes through the patient’s body while detectors collect X-ray data. The gantry may rotate to capture images from multiple angles or use a helical scanning technique for continuous imaging.
Data Processing and Image Reconstruction: Collected X-ray data is processed in real time by a computer, using complex algorithms to reconstruct data into cross-sectional images displayed on a monitor for immediate analysis.
Radiation Safety: Mobile CT scanners are designed to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining image quality. Operators are trained to ensure patients receive the lowest possible dose of radiation while still being diagnostically useful.
Emergency and Critical Care Applications: Mobile CT scanners are invaluable in emergency departments, trauma centers, and critical care units, providing fast assessments of critical conditions and enabling prompt intervention.
The Future of the CT Scan: AI’s Breakthrough in Radiology
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the medical imaging industry, with radiologists and pathologists worldwide set to benefit significantly.
A recent study demonstrates the immense potential of AI in medical imaging, showcasing its capability to detect acute neurologic events in CT scan images in a mere 1.2 seconds.
The remarkable achievement was made possible by analyzing 37,000 head CT exams, with the AI system outperforming human radiologists in diagnosing and identifying neurological conditions like stroke.
This development is critical to improving patient care, particularly in alerting physicians to urgent concerns. As the process is 150 times faster, hours could turn into mere seconds— an advancement that would undoubtedly unburden the hospital staff.
Although the research is ongoing and the AI platform requires real-world testing, this study exemplifies the transformative power of AI in radiology. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely to augment the capabilities of radiologists, enhancing the accuracy and speed of diagnoses and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Computed Tomography (CT) scans have transformed the medical landscape, offering a wide range of benefits for patients with internal injuries, trauma, and various diseases. This technology enables doctors to visualize almost every part of the body, facilitating accurate diagnoses.
Moreover, CT scans play a vital role in guiding treatment plans, whether surgical, medical, or radiation-based and help doctors monitor the effectiveness of medications and other treatments.
Since its introduction by Hounsfield, CT scan technology has undergone remarkable advancements, becoming an indispensable tool in modern medicine. While we may not yet have the futuristic, instant-diagnosis capabilities of Star Trek, the rapid progress in radiology is bringing us closer to that reality.
Mobile CT scanners, in particular, embody innovation and progress in medical imaging. The ability to bring this diagnostic power directly to the patient’s side has revolutionized emergency and critical care.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further enhancements in mobile CT scanner design, ultimately ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, receives the best possible care.
At Catalina Imaging, we’re constantly striving to provide an industry-leading level of service.
From our units’ warm lighting and welcoming mural of Catalina Island to maximize patient comfort to our 24/7 customer support and state-of-the-art technology, we strive to make your experience with us as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
To continue this mission we are excited to announce that we have expanded our fleet to include a Siemens SOMATOM® Perspective. This will enable those with Siemens needs to work seamlessly with our fleet.
Additionally, we have expanded our service area to include Canada. Our GE, Toshiba, and Siemens unit are available.
There are several reasons that you or your institution may be considering utilizing mobile medical imaging in modalities such as CT, MRI, and PET/CT.
Some of the more common reasons include supplementation of existing imaging resources, maintaining service during technology replacement and upgrades, and increasing your capabilities just to name a few.
With the right consideration and planning this can be a very rewarding endeavor but like many things, lack of preparation can have disastrous consequences.
After 18 years in the field working with scores of clients and manufacturers, I have seen a myriad of results from various levels of preparation.
Failure to adequately prepare can be one of the costlier mistakes one can make in this area. Service disruptions are not only costly but can also affect patient care by causing delays and potentially compromise critical programs such as supporting stroke programs when CT resources are not readily available or operational.
So how can we prepare to take the processes and systems we have used inside the hospital and successfully transition them to a mobile trailer?
This is the prevalent question when preparing for this transition.
Staff and leadership alike can often be intimidated by the change in location, processes, and routines. This has a direct effect on the staffs’ confidence in their abilities and comfort with their surroundings while caring for patients.
This mental obstacle is often the first hurdle I assist institutions and teams with as I work to integrate what they do well with the numerous changes.
To that end, I have devised the top 5 aspects to consider prior to deciding on a vendor or signing a contract. While not intended to be an all-inclusive guide to successful planning, I wanted to pass along some of the more important considerations when “going mobile”.
1. Time
Before getting too far into the process of selecting a technology or a vendor, it is critical to determine how long the equipment will be needed.
In the case of adding mobile while in-house equipment is being upgraded or replaced, it is important to prepare for delays that too often occur and are largely out of our control.
If your CT vendor estimates a 12-month install, it is highly advised that you have mobile equipment in place or contracted for 1-3 months longer than the estimated install.
It can be problematic when the equipment you are contracted for is devoted to a follow-on assignment at the end of the contract. In some cases, an extension of contract terms can be at a higher rate than the initial contract which turns into a truly unnecessary cost.
2. Training
This is an area near and dear to my heart.
A transition to a mobile environment can be a challenge in and of itself but when the new equipment involves learning a new manufacturer or process, the challenge can be greatly increased.
Terminology and workflow differ between GE, Siemens, Toshiba, Hitachi, and others.
The differences are not always intuitive or simply a matter of new terminology. In most cases, staff will not have the time to train typically provided with a new manufacturer installation.
In my experience, I generally have had 2-5 days to train multiple Technologists how to use equipment that they are at best minimally familiar with. The process can be even more challenging when Cardiac, CTA, or special procedures are involved. Quite often budgetary and time constraints mean learning the basics quickly and instituting a “train the trainer” approach to bringing all Technologists up to speed.
An important consideration in this area entails seeking to allocate mobile units that are identical or close to the equipment being installed. This essentially gives your institution an invaluable head start on being proficient once the new in-house equipment is ready to use. When this is not possible, it is suggested to select technology as close to what the staff is already trained on to prevent having to learn skills applicable to the mobile unit during the interim but not applicable before or after the mobile unit arrives.
3. Physical Layout
In addition to a level and an easily accessible location to place the mobile unit, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Proximity to power sources, the emergency room, protection from the elements, and distance from other services are key considerations. With longer-term mobile engagements, awnings and/or pathways may need to be installed to ensure patient safety and security.
It is important to note that distance from network connections can directly affect the reliability and strength of IT connections which makes this almost as important as how fast the equipment can scan.
4. Equipment Needs
As we know, it takes more than diagnostic imaging equipment to run an Imaging department. contrast injectors, durable goods, disposable medical equipment, faxes, and computers are just a few of the items needing to be relocated to the mobile unit in order to function effectively.
As a rule of thumb, if you needed it in the hospital, you will need it in the trailer.
This includes oxygen and crash carts which are often the last pieces of equipment to be relocated. It is of utmost importance to test the equipment in the new location prior to go-live in the mobile unit to mitigate post transition failures.
Common hospital beds can often be hard to maneuver and in some cases may not fit safely in a mobile unit. For this, I typically suggest using ambulance stretchers or wheelchairs to bring the patient out to the mobile unit.
Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that all stakeholders understand the needs of the mobile unit. This is particularly true for emergency personnel, biomedical engineers, and respiratory specialists who will need to ensure that their respective areas are in a constant state of readiness. Equipment failures can often have a magnified negative effect in a mobile environment.
5. Safety and Security
When not properly supported, technologists and support staff in a mobile unit can often feel isolated. This can have serious consequences for patient safety when staff does not know who to call when something goes wrong.
Additionally, it is paramount to ensure that resources such as Code Blue and Rapid Response teams are not only aware of new locations and processes, but perform live tests responding to issues in the trailer.
It is a serious problem if a Code Blue is called in the mobile unit and the team does not know where to find the patient. While this seems like common sense, there have been instances where this was overlooked.
Lastly, staff need to be familiar and able to teach other staff how to operate patient lifts and other equipment safely as they often have not been exposed to working in this environment.
While these elements may at first seem daunting, benefits of mobile imaging include service and support during the duration of the rental typically included in the monthly rental costs and exposure to newer technology. Proper planning with a long-term focus can actually render the project a worthwhile investment.
For best results, planning is key and there are many resources in the marketplace to assist your endeavor. Start early by seeking a trusted vendor as well as reaching out to your network or others for experiences and feedback and ask questions until you have all of the answers that you need to capitalize on the investment of your time and money.
I wish you success and as always, feel free to reach out to me if we can help make this a more manageable process.
Timothy M. Gustafson MBA, RT ( R )
Director of Imaging
Director of Applications Training
When hospitals and medical facilities need to arrange a temporary CT lease, they often encounter difficulties finding a suitable site that meets all the necessary requirements for parking and operating mobile units. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges associated with mobile CT leasing and discuss the factors involved in identifying the ideal location that fulfills all the criteria.
Are you looking for a hassle-free mobile CT leasing experience? Catalina Imaging specializes in offering exceptional mobile CT units and overcoming site challenges, ensuring a seamless leasing process. Reach out to Catalina Imaging today at (844) 949-1664 or contact us online, and let us handle all your mobile CT needs!
Essential Factors to Keep in Mind for a Temporary CT Lease
Power Supply
When it comes to mobile CT leasing, power supply poses one of the most significant challenges. Without careful planning and adherence to specifications, it can result in nightmarish situations. Let’s take a closer look at the key issues surrounding power supply and discuss potential solutions.
Reliance on Local Generators
When hospitals do not have the infrastructure to support a mobile CT unit, renting a local generator becomes essential. However, this solution comes with its own set of problems.
Generators emit fumes and create noise, which can disturb patients and nearby homes. Plus, the cost of running the generator round the clock can strain the budget due to ongoing fuel costs. Moreover, the risk of running out of fuel poses a significant threat, potentially causing a complete halt in operations and necessitating an assessment by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for any potential damage resulting from sudden power disruptions.
Concerns for Patient Safety
Imagine a scenario where a patient is inside the mobile unit, and suddenly the generator shuts down. In such situations, the safety of the patient becomes an urgent concern.
We faced a similar situation at one of our sites, where the generator experienced an unexpected shutdown. Fortunately, through clear communication, we were able to guide the staff to manually open the roll-up door and utilize the unit’s battery power for a safe evacuation of the patient.
Location
Finding an optimal location to park a mobile CT unit is another challenge hospitals face during the leasing process. After all, parking a fifty-foot semi-truck trailer requires adequate space to ensure convenient patient and staff access.
In most cases, a cement pad with a slight slope for drainage is the preferred choice. However, we have also successfully accommodated units on broken asphalt and dirt surfaces. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that soft surfaces may cause the unit to settle unevenly, resulting in leveling difficulties.
What is the Ideal Site for a Mobile CT?
While addressing the challenges encountered during mobile CT leasing is important, striving for the perfect site is equally crucial. The ideal site would be characterized by the following features:
Cement pad with access to power: A site with a robust cement pad equipped with readily available power connections eliminates the need for external generators and guarantees a stable power supply, minimizing the risk of interruptions.
Strategic Patient Access: A well-designed patient access area plays a vital role in facilitating seamless movement and convenience. An ideal site would have patient access positioned adjacent to the mobile unit’s lift, optimizing patient flow and accessibility.
Shelter From the Elements: The optimal site needs a sturdy shelter (typically an A-frame roof) over the pad. This protective covering shields the mobile CT unit from rain and snow, ensuring optimal functionality and prolonging its lifespan.
A Partnership for Progress: Mobile CT Lease Planning with Catalina Imaging
While challenges exist in planning for a mobile CT lease, it’s essential to remain proactive in finding solutions. By addressing power supply concerns and carefully selecting suitable parking spaces, hospitals and healthcare providers can ensure a smoother leasing experience.
Additionally, working towards building the ideal site is possible, allowing us to create the perfect environment for mobile CT operations. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and pave the way for more efficient and effective healthcare delivery.
Experience the convenience and efficiency of mobile CT leasing with Catalina Imaging. Our dedicated team is well-versed in navigating challenges, guaranteeing a seamless experience for our clients. Let us be your trusted partner in bringing advanced imaging technology right to your doorstep. Your patients deserve the best, and we are here to make it a reality! Contact us today at info@catalinaimaging.com or call (844) 949-1664.
Mobile CT scanners offer a convenient solution for healthcare facilities that require temporary solutions during equipment maintenance or upgrades or lack the resources to purchase and maintain their own equipment.
However, before making a decision, it’s essential to consider several critical factors to guarantee the best outcome. In this blog, we will provide valuable insights on what you need to know when renting a mobile CT scanner from Catalina Imaging. By gaining a better understanding of the process, you can make an informed decision and ensure your facility has access to the high-quality imaging technology it requires.
Securing a Mobile CT Rental: Planning and Agreement Creation
When it comes to renting a mobile CT scanner, planning is a crucial aspect that can’t be overlooked. Unlike car rentals, mobile CT scanners are specialized devices that require extensive logistics to transport from site to site. Therefore, we recommend that you plan your rental well in advance.
Our team of experienced CT engineers can help answer any questions you have regarding electrical requirements, trucking, and siting issues. After you provide us with your dates and unit requirements, we will send you a quote for your review and approval.
Upon your approval, we will create an agreement that secures your unit, outlining the pricing and timeframe. We will then send you a copy of the agreement via email for your approval. By creating an agreement, we ensure that both parties are on the same page and can move forward with confidence in the rental process.
What to Expect When Your Mobile CT Scanner Arrives
When your mobile CT scanner is set for delivery, you can expect our team to arrive a day or two early, at no extra charge, to fully test the unit and resolve any issues that may have arisen during the transport.
Our crew will transport the unit to your specified location, where they will set up the trailer and connect it to power. An engineer from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will then arrive to assist your IT personnel with networking the CT to interface with your site. If you are renting a unit that is identical to your in-house CT, the OEM engineer may even be able to load your existing protocols (software revision dependent).
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
At Catalina Imaging, we offer ongoing maintenance and support to make sure your unit is always in top condition.
In the unlikely event of any issues arising with the trailer, our team will take swift action to resolve them. Likewise, any concerns with the CT scanner will be addressed by an OEM engineer who is under contract with us. Our units are covered by full-service contracts with the OEM so that you can expect speedy repairs and optimal uptime.
Rest assured that we’ve got you covered all throughout the rental period.
End of the Lease: Preparing for Removal
When your lease period comes to an end, the OEM engineer will coordinate with your facility to prepare the mobile CT scanner for removal.
To ensure the privacy of your patients, your staff will be responsible for removing all patient data and personal items from the unit, as well as performing a final cleaning. Once the unit is ready for removal, our driver will arrive to disconnect the unit from power and carefully remove it from your site. We strive to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, so you can focus on providing quality care to your patients.
Contact Catalina Imaging for Your Mobile CT Rental Needs
Feel confident in your mobile CT rental with Catalina Imaging, the nation’s leading provider of mobile imaging solutions. With our experienced team of CT engineers, we can provide reliable knowledge and exceptional customer service to make your rental process absolutely seamless.
Remember, planning ahead is key to a successful rental experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us at info@catalinaimaging.com or (844) 949-1664 to learn more and secure your rental today. If you have any questions about electrical requirements, logistics, or unit requirements, we’re always here to help.
What people are saying
“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.”
– Alice
Radiology Manager, Malcom Grow Medical Clinic
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