CT Scanner Installation: Critical Planning for Performance and Safety

You need infrastructure planning, a specialised delivery arrangement, and expert calibration to ensure that the CT scanner installation process is smooth and successful in the first attempt. Any misstep can cost patient safety and medical performance.

How do you ensure that there’s no glitch in the installation and you can start using the scanner as soon as it is set up? This blog discusses everything from room prep to staff training to keep you on track.

Pre-Installation Planning

The first thing is site assessment and preparation for the new machine. It helps you identify the gaps and upgrade your centre accordingly. The steps to follow are:

1. Site Assessment and Shielding

Assess and prepare the installation room to avoid any workflow interruptions during use:

• The room layout should be according to the scanner guidelines and specifications.
• Sufficient ventilation and cooling systems.
• Stable or epoxy-coated flooring to withstand equipment weight.
• Lead or radiation shielding, depending on the equipment requirement.

2. Power Load and HVAC Requirements

The CT scanner will fail before it even begins diagnosis if there’s not a sufficient or stable power supply. Make sure that:

• UPS, power stabiliser, and cable sizing are as required.
• An HVAC system is in place for effective airflow and cooling.
• Climate control stability to prevent scanner overheating.

3. Workflow and Patient Movement Design

If the new CT scanner installation is in place of an old one, you must ensure that the staff is ready for the new workflow procedure. Additionally, existing patient appointments must be rescheduled accordingly to prevent dissatisfaction.

Installation and Commissioning

Once the diagnostic room is ready for the scanner, your next step is installing and testing it for safety before use on patients. Here is how you can assess that the CT scanner is ready for use:

1. Equipment Rigging and Placement

First thing’s first, coordinate with the electrician for power connection:

• Position the hardware, gantry, and cables.
• Arrange system wiring and cable routing.
• Assemble mounts and brackets.
• Check for electrical safety.

2. System Calibration and Testing

Now that the wiring is in place, you can test the machine to check whether it is working accurately or not. Here is the checklist to follow:

• System calibration as per the OEM specifications.
• Performance and accuracy verification by testing on a phantom or known object.
• Completing required documentation, such as FDA Form 2579.

3. Radiation Safety Validation

Last, but not least, ensure that the floor, ceiling, and walls are safe for radiation. It is important to check if the radiation cannot travel to adjacent rooms or the waiting area. Here is a quick checklist to follow:

• Radiation levels are within a permissible limit.
• You have the approvals and installation clearances.
• Warning lights, audible alerts, and safety signs are fully functional.
• The monitoring systems are working.

Now, your CT scanner installation is complete, and you are ready to diagnose patients.

Post-Installation Considerations

Even after installation, your work is not over. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and clinical training are paramount to keep the CT scanner running uninterruptedly. Here’s how you can ensure that your radiology device doesn’t succumb to diagnostic overload:

1. Staff Training

Hire and train clinical technicians who can operate and maintain the CT scanner efficiently. Since the machines continuously get sophisticated, you must conduct training sessions so your staff is updated. The technicians should know how to:

• Start, operate, control, and shut down the scanner.
• Modify the selections according to the patient’s needs.
• Follow safe operational practices to minimise radiation exposure.
• Handle errors, alerts, and sudden system interruption.
• Maintain image clarity and accuracy for diagnosis.
• Train new staff about the software and hardware updates.

2. PACS/RIS Connectivity

Your patient diagnosis will be hampered even if the scanner is working fine but there’s no internet connection. Ensuring continuous PACS/RIS network is crucial to prevent any downtime. This interruption can delay patient care and cost revenue. Make sure that there is:

• Stable and timely data transfer.
• Efficient handling of large CT scanner datasets.
• No mismatch in patient name and diagnosis.

3. Preventive Maintenance Planning

CT scanners are prone to dust, dirt, temperature, and humidity. Irregular maintenance can shorten the machine’s lifespan, leading to workflow disruption. Send the radiology machine for annual service to keep it performing efficiently. It should include:

• Deep cleaning
• Recalibration
• Inspection of electrical and physical components for repair/replacement
• Software update

Following the routine checkup helps reduce costly repairs.

Conclusion

Take care of everything from pre-installation to post-care to ensure that your CT scanner performs smoothly for a long time. Strategic CT scanner installation ensures safety, efficiency, and diagnostic confidence in a healthcare institute.

Only partner with a trusted and reputable service expert for your radiology equipment so there is no compromise with diagnostic accuracy or patient safety.

Ultravision Medical is one of the leading medical equipment suppliers and service experts, supporting hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals. The services are available in Dubai and the UAE. You can connect with the team for installation, repair, and maintenance services.