Computed Tomography Scanner Productivity and Entry-Level Models in the Global Market

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the productivity of computed tomography (CT) models and characterized their simplest (entry-level) models' supply in the world market. Methods CT exam times were measured in eight health facilities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Exams were divided into six stages: (1) arrival of patient records to the examination room; (2) patient arrival; (3) patient positioning; (4) data input prior to exam; (5) image acquisition; and (6) patient departure. CT exam productivity was calculated by dividing the total weekly working time by the total exam time for each model. Additionally, an internet search identified full-body CT manufacturers and their offered entry-level models. Results The time durations of 111 CT exams were obtained. Differences among average exam times were not large, and they were mainly due to stages not directly related to data acquisition or image reconstruction. The survey identified that most manufacturers offer 2- to 4-slice models for Asia, South America, and Africa, and one offers single-slice models (Asia). In the USA, two manufacturers offer models below 16-slice. Conclusion Productivity gains are not linearly related to “slice” number. It is suggested that the use of “shareable platforms” could make CTs cheaper, increasing their availability.

Covid-19

“…A major bane of low-medium income countries is lack of equipment, with one CT machine sometimes serving over 10 million people,[ 15 ] as seen in this study. Most of the government facilities were tertiary ones, and yet most had only one CT and one mobile X-ray machine serving several patients and hospitals in the community, unlike similar radiological departments in developed countries, where equipment could be dedicated to imaging only COVID patients thus avoiding interaction with other patients.…”

“…Many challenges in the radiology department have been described in literature,[ 10 11 12 13 14 15 ] such as poor infection control, paucity of personal protective equipment, lack of social distancing, inadequate staff, and dedicated imaging equipment. Some authors also describe what was done to combat these challenges.…”

Discrete‐event models for the simulation of computed tomography sectors according to hospital structural/organizational changes and expected patient arrival rates

“…For most exams, even a 1-slice CT may be adequate, 12,13 but the production of this type of CT has greatly decreased in recent times. 14 Also, more sophisticated equipment usually has more complex and expensive maintenance.…”

Unsupervised model for structure segmentation applied to brain computed tomography

“…[ 35 ], the brain segmentation studies conducted in 2019 indicate a predominant use of MRI over CT. In Brazil, there are approximately 15.6 CT machines per million inhabitants, with MRI machines generally having higher maintenance and depreciation costs [ 36 , 37 ]. As a result, the widespread availability and rapid imaging acquisition of CT scans justify their frequent use, especially in emergency cases such as stroke, where prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.…”