CT Comparison: Toshiba Aquilion RXL and Aquilion 32 and 16

This article has been updated 19-12-2023

In this blog post, you are going to learn all about the Toshiba Aquilion RXL and how it differs from the Toshiba Aquilion 32 and 16.

We will take you through some of the main features of the system and the benefits that you will experience if you decide to purchase the Aquilion RXL.

We are sure you will feel more than ready to make your next CT purchase when you have finished reading.

Lets get started.

Toshiba Aquilion RXL Introduction

The portfolio of the Toshiba Aquilions is quite diverse – You may know the Aquilion 16, Aquilion 32, Aquilion 64, and 128. And probably also the Aquilion Prime and Aquilion One.

But often we get the question: Where does the Toshiba Aquilion RXL belong?
This is where we will start.

For over 130 years, Toshiba has been committed to developing new technologies that minimize radiation dose while maintaining industry-leading image quality.

And that’s what they have achieved with the Toshiba Aquilion RXL.
So, let us go over some of the Toshiba Aquilion RXL specifications.

Despite it being a lower slice system (either 16 or 32 slices), excellent dose-reduction technologies are standard on the RXL CT scanner.

It comes with a great detector technology – the 16 Row Quantum detector – that has a strong focus on high image quality. And with its coneXact ™ algorithm and double slice technology, the CT can generate up to 32 unique slices per rotation (for the 32-slice configuration). This way you can get images with great detail.

Additionally, there is no extra exposure necessary because this breakthrough technology is entirely based on reconstruction.

Low-dose Technologies of the Toshiba Aquilion RXL

In its configuration, the Toshiba Aquilion RXL has dose reduction technologies such as AIDR 3D, SUREExposure 3D Adaptive, Active Collimator, and dose management functions, including Dose Check and Dose Report.

All the technologies reduce the radiation dose and contribute to greater image quality at the same time.

And thanks to the lower radiation dose, the usage of the X-ray tube is lower and the tube lasts longer.

That makes the Toshiba Aquilion RXL CT scanner cost-effective.

So, let us introduce the technologies to you in more detail.

AIDR 3D (Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D)

This algorithm works in both raw data and reconstruction domains.

Hereby, resulting in robust noise reduction (up to 50%), which is necessary for reaching low-dose examinations in any routine scan. Source: Toshiba Aquilion RXL brochure

To ensure optimal dose management, it is important to integrate the different dose reduction features.

And Toshiba managed to seamlessly integrate AIDR 3D into SUREExposure™ 3D – the next dose reduction technology we will introduce.

SUREExposure™ 3D Adaptive (Automatic Exposure Control)

This effective dose reduction tool adjusts exposure for each patient based on a preset target level of image quality.

In combination with AIDR 3D, X-ray exposure is automatically reduced before scanning.

This way the practitioner can maintain the pre-programmed image quality, which is set to the expected noise reduction level.

The combination of the SUREExposure™ 3D and AIDR 3D

On its own, SUREExposure 3D Adaptive can accomplish dose reduction of up to 40%, depending on the individual patient and anatomical area to be scanned.

However, when combined with the AIDR 3D, the dose is reduced even further, up to 75%.

Dose Check and Dose Report

These two-dose management functions are important for monitoring and optimizing patient radiation exposure during CT scanning.

They are integrated into every step of all scans performed and ensure the highest possible level of patient safety.

In particular, the Dose Check software ensures that the radiation dose limits cannot be exceeded due to the wrong use of the CT scanner. The practitioners can define these limits themselves

Next, the Dose Report feature is available in the software of the Toshiba Aquilion RXL.

Its Radiation Exposure Monitoring Profile function automatically records all scanning data, allowing accurate dose tracking.

Active Collimator

Another dose-reduction technology present on the Aquilion RXL is Active Collimator.

This technology automatically blocks all X-rays that are not required to reconstruct the image in helical scanning, resulting in a further dose reduction.

Toshiba Aquilion RXL - Specifications

Main Differences of the Toshiba Aquilion RXL, Aquilion 32 and 16-slice

The RXL is available in both a 16 and 32 slices version, but it can reconstruct images faster than the regular Aquilion 32 and 16.

It comes with the dose reduction technologies and delivers higher image quality.

The 16 Row Quantum detector and the coneXact ™ algorithm, which ensure that your images are of high quality, are typically not available on the regular 16- and 32-slice Aquilions. But you can find them on Aquilions with a higher number of slices.

Moreover, the Aquilion RXL has a better workflow as well as faster image reconstruction that reduces the time required for diagnosis. Hence, it provides faster and safer exams for both patients and practitioners.

What makes it even more valuable?

Thanks to its lower dose, the X-ray tube can last longer.

And the Toshiba Aquilion RXL has a better utilization due to its faster throughput and access to a wider range of applications.

Overall, the Aquilion RXL is a well-designed Toshiba CT scanner that supports practitioners in all steps.

From examination planning to actual examination, and all the way through reconstruction and final report generation.

Sum Up

Mainly, the RXL has dose reduction technologies, better technology, and is a bit more efficient than Aquilion 32 and 16 slices.

Keep in mind:

When choosing a Toshiba Aquilion system, you should look for the right balance between your clinical needs, your patients’ throughput goals, and your budget.

You can learn more about the other Aquilion systems in our article about the Toshiba/Canon Aquilion series.

If you generally want to prepare yourself for a CT purchase we recommend our popular CT Guide – How to pick a CT scanner.

This article covers prices, slices, accessories and generally most of the considerations that comes before a purchase.
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