Computed Tomography (CT SCAN) Machine

Number of Slices:

• 64 slices: This means the scanner has 64 detectors arranged in an array, enabling it to capture 64 images (slices) per rotation, which increases speed and resolution compared to lower-slice scanners.

Tube Voltage and Current:

• Tube voltage: Typically around 80-140 kV (kilovolt), which controls the intensity of the X-ray beam.

• Tube current: Varies, usually around 50-500 mA (milliampere), depending on the imaging requirements (e.g., for pediatric or adult scans).

Rotation Time:

• 0.5-1.0 seconds per rotation: This refers to how quickly the gantry (the part of the scanner that holds the X-ray tube and detectors) completes one full rotation around the patient.

Scan Coverage:

• The scanner typically provides large coverage per rotation, often around 40-50 cm (depending on the specific model), allowing for faster scans of the body and less motion blur.

Spatial Resolution:

• Typically 0.5-0.7 mm for high-resolution images, depending on the scanner settings and the anatomical area being scanned.

Slice Thickness:

• 0.5-1.0 mm per slice: The thinner the slice, the more detailed the image is. Thin slices allow for higher resolution in the final 3D reconstruction.

Field of View (FOV):

• Typically 50-500 mm, depending on the scan mode (e.g., head, chest, or abdomen scan).

Scan Speed:

• A 64-slice CT scanner offers fast scanning speeds, which can help reduce motion artifacts and improve image clarity. This can allow for heart and lung scans with minimal need for patient breath-holding.

Image Reconstruction:

• High-speed reconstruction: The scanner uses advanced software to reconstruct the images quickly, which is crucial for real-time analysis, especially in emergency settings.

• 3D and 4D imaging: Depending on the system’s capabilities, 3D reconstructions and dynamic studies (4D imaging) can be performed.

Patient Table:

• The table can typically handle patient weights up to 250-350 kg (550-770 lbs).

• It is motorized for precise patient positioning during scans.

Safety Features:

• Dose Reduction Technologies: Features such as Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) or Iterative Reconstruction help reduce the amount of radiation exposure to the patient while maintaining high-quality images.

Software & Imaging Features:

• Advanced Image Processing: Provides enhanced image quality and post-processing options like 3D volume rendering, MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection), and MPR (Multiplanar Reconstruction).

• Cardiac Imaging: Capable of imaging coronary arteries and cardiac structures in high resolution, which is particularly useful for cardiac assessments.

• Dose Modulation: Dynamic adjustment of the radiation dose according to the patient’s size and the area of interest.

Power Requirements:

• These scanners typically require a high voltage power supply, and the exact power needs can vary, but typically they require 380-480V (3-phase power) for operation.

Cooling System:

• Since the X-ray tube generates a significant amount of heat during scanning, the scanner comes equipped with an advanced cooling system to ensure continuous operation without overheating.

Optional Features:

• Dual Energy CT: Some 64-slice models may also feature dual-energy scanning, which can differentiate between different tissue types based on their response to varying energy levels of X-rays.

• Dual Detector Technology: For specific advanced imaging applications.