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themidnightwill · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 4

Hello,

I'm actually a software developer of CT software, and found your forum through Google. Lately I've been trying to learn more about the actual scanners and how they work, not just the images they produce.

I noticed in sales of used CT scanners they often mention how many slices a tube has. How long does an average X-ray tube last?

Thanks,

Will

papa · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:40 pm Post subject:

eh, all depends on how many exams and images we produce. an active facility can go through a tube about every 10 - 11 months, places that aren't all that busy can go longer.

what you're probabally interested in will be how many rotations the tube can take. generally, the tube will take just so many slices before it goes bad. the fewer slices it has, the newer tube it is.

granted, diferent manufacturers will have different lifetimes on their tubes, so they aren't all going to be the same.

papa
_________________
Mr. Green

papa RT(R)(CT) Mr. Green

Delusional Radiology
never meddle in the affairs of a dragon, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup

themidnightwill · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks for the response papa!

How many rotations will the average tube do?

Thanks agai,

Will

papa · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject:

oh crap, you would ask me that..... Embarassed

somewhere around 100,000 exposures? i really don't know. you may want to get in touch with one of the vendors like GE, Siemens, Toshiba, or Phillips to get that answer.

and again, you'll probabally get a different answer from each vendor.
_________________
Mr. Green

papa RT(R)(CT) Mr. Green

Delusional Radiology
never meddle in the affairs of a dragon, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup