SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOGEverything you need to know about measures of CT scanner X-ray tube count!
The X-ray tube is the lifeblood of a CT scanner. It is what creates the X-ray and is an expensive part of the scanner. It can dig a hole in your pocket in case you have to replace them.
X-ray tubes are measured in MHU (Mega Heat Unit). These are defined by the amount of heat they can endure during the X-ray generation process. To calculate it, here’s a simple formula to get started.
Tube usage = Effect*time
Factcheck: The greater the number of MHU, the more heat the X-ray tube can withstand. And more heat withstanding power implies enhanced examination numbers from the CT scanner.
However, there are several methods to find exact information on how to measure the X-ray tube count of a CT scanner. We are going to discuss them in detail now.
CT Scanner X-ray tube measures
1. Total patients examined
It refers to the total number of patients that have undergone the X-ray test from a particular tube. However, we can’t completely rely on this factor to determine tube usage. It is due to the reason that every CT study is conducted on a different power level or duration of time.
Hence, we include an additional factor to measure the X-ray tube count. It is the specialty of the facility using it. Several questions are put forward along with this factor for a precise count at the end. One of which is the type of studies that are carried out the most at the facility.
For instance: The trauma and sinus studies have a wide difference in the usage of the X-ray tube. It is used the most in trauma studies and the least in sinus studies.
2. Clicks/Counts
This method of measuring X-ray tube count provides you information on the number of exposures that the tune has performed in a given duration of time. However, it doesn’t let you know about the energy consumed in each exposure.
With the clicks, you can calculate the time for which the tube has been used based on the gantry rotation speed.
3. Scan the seconds
In this method of x-ray tube count measurement, the duration of tube exposures is measured. It gives us the time for which the tube has been used. It records the seconds for which the tube was both forward and the patient was being scanned on the other hand.
It has proved to be a more accurate method of measurement as compared to the ones described above. It is a widely used measure for x-ray tube counts. Big manufacturers like Phillips, Siemens, GE, and Toshiba use it for the measurement of x-ray tube count.
Although, this method does not give any value to how much the heat ran through the tube.
4. mAs
Renowned as milliampere seconds, this method of measurement provides data on both the duration of exposures and the power run through the X-ray tube. It is the most accurate method of all.
GE uses it mainly for their CT scan or tubes. It has also helped in predicting the lifetimes of these x-ray tubes. For instance: a 7 MHU Tube can last more than 150 million mAs.
As we have discussed all the possible methods of x-ray tube count, milliampere seconds comes as the best option that ticks all the boxes. However, you need to keep in mind that the tube lifetime is unpredictable. There are several tubes available in the market with high measures that last a lifetime. For example: Phillips MCR tubes.
Conclusion
Every method of x-ray tube count has something to offer you on the table. So, taking a composite of all the numbers will give you a result of what usage a tube has undergone. The combined results along with an understanding of what techniques are commonly being performed on the system, will give you a reasonable timeline for the remainder of your X-ray tube’s life.
Get in touch with an expert
It’s recommended that you talk to an expert assuming you actually feel somewhat wary on the most proficient method to the compute your hardware’s X-beam tube count. They are professionals and can give you a better understanding of how to move forward in the right direction. Since they deal with such machinery regularly, they are well-versed with the ins and out of the measurement of X-ray tube count. They will give you info on the kind of brand machinery you are using, the care it needs, and the best measurement techniques. So, drop any second thoughts and get in touch with the experts who are the best in the fields. It’s better to look for guidance than to make a blunder with little information.
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