How Much Does a CT Scanner Cost
When buying a CT scanner, you need a system that is appropriate both for your needs and your budget.
One thing that is closely related to both, is slices, but several other factors influence the prices.
For instance: Brand, tube condition, and whether it is a used, refurbished, or a new CT scanner.
In this article, you will get an overview of the prices of CT scanners based on slices, but also an overview of some of the additional factors that influence prices.
If you prefer, you can sign up for our e-mail course, which will walk you through the main points of purchasing a CT scanner.
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Price Overview
For a quick overview of prices based on slice count check the table below – Not that all prices are in euros and for the system, meaning that it does not include crating, shipping, installation etc.
So in short, the cost of CT scanners range from 35.000 to more than 250.000 euros on the used market. You can get a 16-slice systems for around 80.000 euros but improved capabilities mean higher prices.
Hereby, newer models with 256 slices and more cost from 250.000 euros and up.
Next question is – How many slices do you need?
As a general indication, see the table below.
If you prefer you can also get the prices explained by our Key Account Manager Edgar.
Prices of New and Refurbished CT Scanners
To give you an idea of prices of new and refurbished CT scanners, we will offer a general rule of thumb:
Prices of used systems are usually 50-80% lower than new prices. And prices for OEM refurbished systems are typically 30-40% lower than new prices.
What does that mean for you?
You can afford a much more advanced CT scanner if you buy used or refurbished than if you buy a new. Or you can get a similar model at a more attractive price.
Prices of 4- and 8-slice CT Scanners
CT systems with a lower number of slices are popular as a cost-efficient solution when only basic CT imaging is required.
You are able to perform a wide variety of examinations, but they do take longer, as only a smaller part of the body is obtained with each rotation. The cost of a used CT scanner with 4-8 slices is typically 35.000 – 60.000 euros.
Popular systems include: Toshiba Asteion S4, Toshiba Asteion Multi, and GE Lightspeed Ultra.
Prices of 16- and 32-slice CT Scanners
Prices for these CTs typically range from 60.000 – 100.000 euros.
These models are good for several types of examinations. Though Some might take more preparation and the examinations will have more limitations than on systems with more slices.
Popular systems include: Toshiba Aquilion 16, GE Brightspeed 16, Philips Brilliance 16, Siemens Emotion 16, and Toshiba Aquilion 32.
Prices of 64-slice CT Scanners
The used systems with 64 slices typically cost 90.000 – 130.000 euros.
They offer cardiac options, but it is basic cardiac compared to the newer high-end systems. Moreover, it is necessary to decrease the heart rate with medication before examinations with 64 slice systems, but not if the system has more slices. Nevertheless, the 64 slice systems are popular and great for a variety of applications.
Popular systems include: Toshiba Aquilion 64 and Philips Brilliance 64.
Price of 128-slice CT Scanners
These are newer systems that offer excellent image quality and great cardiac capabilities.
A used CT machine with 128 slices typically cost 120.000 – 180.000 euros. As seen in the table above, they can cover all types of examinations.
Among popular systems is the Toshiba Aquilion CX and Toshiba Aquilion CXL.
Price of CT Scanners with +256 Slices
These are high-end CT scanners that have exceptional image quality and are outstanding for cardiac exams, as they can image the full heart in one rotation.
What does that mean for patients?
No sedatives or other medications to decrease the heart rate are necessary. Furthermore, it reduces artifacts caused by movement.
These CT machines has prices that range from 250.000 euros and upwards for a used system.
Popular systems include: Toshiba Aquilion One and Philips Brilliance ICT.
Other Factors That Influence CT Scanner Price
Below you can click each bar to learn more about how that specific factor affects the prices of CT scanners.
Brand
The prices may, of course, vary a little between brands, but at LBN Medical we focus on the top brands only. These include Canon (former Toshiba), GE, Siemens, and Philips.
Among these, the prices do not vary significantly, and brand consideration is mainly an issue in the buying process if you have any specific preferences, or if you have easier access to maintenance of some brands rather than others.
However – we do find that GE is a little more expensive but provides excellent service and cheaper parts. Siemens and Philips provide the cheapest systems if you choose a water-cooled one. But Siemens’ new systems typically have a dual-tube, which is quite expensive to repair.
Age of the CT scanner
Tube
Warranty and installation
Workstations
We hope that this article answered the question gave you a good overview of how much a CT scanner cost.
If you want more, you can read more articles, or sign up for our brand new mail crash course on CTs. This will walk you through all the main factors to consider when purchasing a CT scanner. By signing up you will also get all the material as an e-book. And it will only cost you your e-mail address.