When purchasing a CT scanner, veterinary practices should look at not only the purchase price but also the costs of installing and maintaining the unit. 

Planning for the following factors can help a practice avoid surprises and smoothly purchase and integrate a veterinary CT machine…

Space Requirements

CT systems vary greatly in terms of size. Traditional, fan-beam CT scanners can be very large and require their own dedicated room. Some veterinary practices just might not have the space for these units, or they might need to do some extensive remodeling to accommodate them.

Other CT scanners, such as cone-beam or portable units, can be significantly smaller in size. This can make them attractive to veterinary practices that are limited on space. 

Electrical Requirements

Some units can operate on standard electrical outlets. Others require a higher current—which might mean consultation with an electrician and rewiring are necessary. 

As you might expect, the former is more common with newer, smaller CT units, while the latter is more common with large, traditional units that take a lot of power to operate. Portable units can even be battery-powered. But it’s crucial to check the specific electrical requirements for the unit you are purchasing.

Lead Shielding Requirements

Radiation safety is crucial with any x-ray modality. And CT is certainly no exception, especially since the amount of radiation produced with multiple slices can be large. In addition to personal protective equipment, shielding might include other requirements, such as lead-lined walls in the room in which the unit is housed.

As might be expected, a larger CT scanner generally has more lead shielding requirements than a smaller one. However, it again comes down to the requirements of the specific model of CT unit in which you are interested. 

Also, while the specs of the individual machine are important, they’re not the only consideration. Every jurisdiction has its own radiation safety laws and regulations. Do your research and hire a radiation consultant prior to installing a new machine. They can instruct your practice on shielding requirements based on the radiation doses and expected usage, occupancy in the spaces outside the CT room, etc.

This often includes speaking to a veterinary radiologist, as well as a radiation physics consultant or licensed physicist who understands local legalities and how to keep your veterinary practice in compliance. Your local veterinary medical board may be able to point you in the right direction, too, in terms of regulations and finding licensed consultants to work with.

Doing this step prior to purchase can also help a veterinary practice understand what costs are involved in installing various machines and shielding, which might factor into the purchase decision.

Cooling Requirements and Additional Considerations

Some CT units, especially larger ones, can get quite warm during use. It’s important to ensure there is adequate cooling and ventilation in the room in which the machine will be used.

The flooring should be sturdy enough to support a heavy CT unit.

Also, in addition to the up-front costs (purchase and installation), it’s crucial to factor in long-term operating and maintenance costs. Some warranties and service plans are very pricy and designed for machines with heavy use. Other service plans (or even paying out of pocket for repairs) might be more practical for typical, light veterinary use.

Also, a veterinary practice team should always consider whether the CT system they are purchasing meets their expected usage requirements on the types of patients they see. For example, maybe a practice wants a smaller CT machine due to space limitations, but they also see a lot of large dogs that need abdominal scans, for which a larger CT unit would be ideal. It’s a matter of balancing these interests and finding the best solution.

Although the price tag plus additional costs can seem daunting, it helps to break down each consideration one at a time.

Then compare everything to the expected income from your new veterinary CT system to determine what are the most that your practice can or should invest.

This will greatly help with determining if CT is a good fit for your practice, and then selecting the right machine for your needs.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM