Siemens Somatom Drive 256

Siemens Somatom Drive 256 – Buy used CT Scanner

The Siemens Somatom Drive 256 is a high-performance CT system designed to deliver fast and precise imaging for a wide range of patients. It helps imaging teams manage daily variability in body types, heart rates, and clinical conditions while maintaining consistent image quality and low dose.

This system is well suited for providers looking for a CT platform that supports demanding workflows without adding complexity for staff or patients.

Who this system is a good fit for

The Siemens Somatom Drive 256 fits clinical environments that handle diverse case mixes and require reliable results under time pressure.

It is commonly used by:

• Hospital radiology departments with high patient throughput

• Emergency and acute care units requiring fast decision making

• Pediatric imaging centers focused on low-dose and sedation-free exams

• Cardiovascular imaging teams handling complex heart rate variability

• Facilities scanning uncooperative or critically ill patients

For these providers, choosing a used system can help expand capacity while keeping investment costs predictable.

Dual source CT for speed and flexibility

Dual Source CT technology uses two X-ray tubes and two detectors at the same time. This allows the system to scan twice as fast as conventional single-source CT.

With this design, the scanner can:

• Scan at any heart rate without beta blockers

• Freeze motion in fast-moving organs

• Perform free-breathing exams

• Support sedation-free pediatric imaging

• Maintain low radiation dose

This flexibility helps staff manage challenging patients with confidence.

Fast scans without compromise

High temporal resolution allows the system to acquire images after only about 90 degrees of rotation. This results in faster scans and reduced motion artifacts.

Turbo Flash scan mode supports ultra-high scan speeds of up to 458 mm per second. This is especially helpful for emergency patients, children, and patients who cannot hold their breath.

Spectral imaging for confident diagnosis

Dual Source Dual Energy imaging acquires low- and high-energy data at the same time. This adds tissue and material information without increasing dose.

Spectral imaging can reduce the need for additional scans and supports more confident clinical decisions in routine and advanced cases.

Clinical performance across specialties

The system supports consistent diagnostic quality across multiple clinical areas:

• Pediatrics: fast, free-breathing scans with ultra-low dose

• Acute care: long scan ranges with low-dose perfusion imaging

• Critical care: low-kv imaging to reduce contrast media use

• Lung imaging: high-pitch thorax scans in under one second

• Cardiovascular imaging: reliable scans at high or irregular heart rates

• Orthopedics: dual energy bone marrow imaging and gout assessment

These capabilities help standardize care across different patient groups.

Automation for efficient daily workflow

Automated workflows help reduce variability and training effort. FAST Integrated Workflow with FAST 3D Camera supports accurate patient positioning and correct dose selection.

Touch-based controls and CARE features simplify daily routines and help staff work efficiently, even in challenging environments.

Faster results with integrated post-processing

Rapid Results enables direct communication between the CT system and syngo.via. Post-processing runs automatically within the scan protocol and sends ready-to-read results to PACS or film printers without manual steps.

This helps reduce turnaround time and improves overall department efficiency.

Buying and investment considerations for a used system

The Siemens Somatom Drive 256 price depends on system configuration, installed software, and overall condition. Many imaging providers choose used or pre-owned systems to balance advanced CT capabilities with budget control while extending the lifecycle of proven dual source technology.

If you’re curious, check out more Siemens CT scanners on our website, or expand your CT scanner knowledge by reading our  CT X-ray Tube Guide.