Are you considering buying a CT scanner and are you having trouble determining the type and price range that you should search for?
Deciding on a system that is appropriate both for your needs and your budget can be hard.
The question: “How much does a CT scanner cost?” Is very relevant in the buying process.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to give a simple answer – a lot of factors influence the cost of a CT scanner.
What are these factors?
Brand, tube, number of slices, and whether it is a used, refurbished, or a new CT scanner. For a more detailed explanation of the terms used/refurbished check out our blog post.
In this blog post, we will do our best to offer you an overview of the price of CT scan machines and describe some of the factors that influence price the most. We will help you answer the question: “How much does a CT scanner cost?”. For an easy overview, have a look at the table below.
All prices are based on used systems and in thousand euros. The prices are for the systems only and do not include warranty, installation, and so forth.
| Slices | 4 - 8 | 16 - 32 | 64 | 128 | 256+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used CT Scanners | 35 - 60 | 60 - 100 | 90 - 130 | 120 - 180 | 250+ |
So in short, the cost of CT machines range from 35.000 to +250.000 euros on the used market. You can get a 16 slice systems for around 80.000 euros and a popular 64 slice CT scanner for approximately 110.000 euros. Better capabilities mean higher prices, so the 128 CT scan machines cost around 150.000 euros and the newer models with 256 slices and more cost from 250.000 euros.
To give you an idea of costs of CT scanners that are new and OEM refurbished, we will offer a general rule of thumb:
The cost above of used systems is usually 50-80% lower than the new price. And the prices for OEM refurbished systems are typically 30-40% lower than the new price.
What does that mean for you?
You will be able to afford a much more advanced CT scanner if you buy used or refurbished as the cost is much lower than for the new ones.
What number of slices do you need?
As a general indication, see the table below. In the columns are the number of slices, and in the rows are the types of imaging that each type is capable of.
| 4 - 8 | 16 - 32 | 64 | 128 | 256+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Imaging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vascular | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cardio | No | Limited | OK | Good | Excellent |
4-8 Slice CT Scanners
Toshiba Asteion S4 CT Scanner
The CT systems with a low number of slices are popular as a cost-efficient solution when only basic CT imaging is necessary.
You can perform a wide variety of examinations, but they do take longer, as only a smaller part of the body is obtained with each image. The cost of a used CT scanner with 4-8 slices is typically 35-60.000 euros.
Popular systems: Toshiba Asteion S4, Toshiba Asteion Multi, Toshiba Aquilion Multi, and GE Lightspeed Ultra.
16-32 Slice CT Scanners
The next category is the 16-32 slices.
The price for these CT machines typically range from 60-100.000 euros.
These systems are good for several types of exams. Some might just take a bit more preparation and work, and the examinations have more limitations than on systems with more slices.
Among popular systems belong Toshiba Aquilion 16, GE Brightspeed 16, Philips Brilliance 16, and Toshiba Aquilion 32.
64 Slice CT Scanners
The used syetems with 64 slices typically cost 90-130.000 euros.
They offer cardiac options, but it is basic cardiac compared to the new high-end systems. Moreover, it is necessary to decrease the heart rate with medication before the exam 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 exams.
Popular systems: Toshiba Aquilion 64 and Philips Brilliance 64.
128 Slice CT Scanners
Toshiba Aquilion CX
These are newer systems that offer excellent image quality and great cardiac options.
A CT machine with 128 slices typically cost 120-180.000 euros for used systems. As seen in the table above, they are good for all types of examinations.
Among popular systems belong the Toshiba Aquilion CX.
CT Scanners with 256 and More Slices
These are high-end CT scanners that have exceptional image quality and are outstanding for cardiac exams, as they can image the heart in one rotation.
What does that mean for patients?
No sedatives or other medications to decrease the heart rate are necessary and it also reduces artifacts due to movement.
These CT machines has prices that range from 250.000 euros and upwards for a used system.
Popular systems: Toshiba Aquilion One and Philips Brilliance ICT.
Other Factors That Influence How Much Does a CT Scanner cost
Brand
The prices may, of course, vary a little between brands, but at LBN Medical we focus on the top brands only. These include 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 the 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
The year of manufacture does of course matter, especially if it is a very old system.
Furthermore, age often determines the available options, and the software of the system and this may also affect the price. Most users prefer Windows, which you can find on newer systems, whereas Unix, you can find typically on older systems. Windows might be easier to use for most, as this is what they are used to, but Unix is very stable and has fewer software issues.
Tube
The specifications of the tube can have a major impact on the price, as they are expensive to replace.
How much can a new tube cost?
Up to 150.000 euro!
Most focus on tube count to assess the condition and the remaining lifetime. Read more about the measures of tube count.
It is unclear whether the age of the tube is a factor that you should consider. Some would say it is, and some would say it is not. Furthermore, it affects a tube to be inactive for a longer period, and this might have a bigger impact on older tubes.
Warranty and installation
Some buy a warranty for their CT systems. However, most medical imaging resellers do not offer a warranty if you decide to do the installation yourself.
At LBN Medical, we only offer a warranty if we provide installation and shipping. This is because these are the circumstances with the highest risk of damaging the system. Therefore, it is very important that the systems are carefully crated and shipped carefully, and that professionals perform the installation.
Naturally, including warranty and installation will increase the price.
Workstations
Including or excluding workstations might also affect the price of CT systems. The processing workstations are the computer that goes along and allows medical professionals to analyze the images after they take them.
Remember to ask about workstations, and consider what kind of options you need in a workstation.
Acquisition workstations are a part of the system and are where the CT system is controlled. It is possible to look at the images afterward and make simple analyses. However, this is not optimal for clinics with more patients, as the medical professionals can not process images while patients are being examined.
We hope that this answered the question: How much does a CT scanner cost – Otherwise please contact us for more specific information.
In addition, we have included a video, where our Key Account Manager – Edgar C. Ikombo answers the question: How Much Does a CT Scanner cost?
See also other blog posts:
Toshiba Aquilion Series (Which One to Get)
Measures of X-ray Tube Count on CT Scanners