If you own or use a GE CT scanner you already know tubes aren't cheap, and they don't last forever. This reality leads to very logical questions like, 'How long will my tube last?' and 'How can I make my tube last longer?'
What You Can Do to Extend GE CT Tube Life:
Tube Warm Ups
A premature exposure to high power levels creates a sudden influx of heat in a tube. This sudden heat can damage a tube or accelerate wear and tear on it
Before beginning your CT's daily schedule of patient scans or running a QA test on your system, it's important to perform the manufacturer-recommended warm up procedure. This will gradually increase the temperature in the tube and prevent damage from temperature shock. If your CT isn't in regular use, it's still recommended you warm it up and run a QA test at least once a week.
Shutting Down:
Tube life can also be preserved by following proper shutdown procedures. Do not shut down power to your gantry until the tube has had time to cool down.
If you have a newer GE tube with liquid bearings, consult manufacturer recommendations for shutdown and startup. These are designed to prepare your tube for use, and to ease it back into inactivity safely.
Preventative Maintenance
Make sure that your system is getting preventative maintenance (PM) at least thrice a year.
'Listen' to Your System
In many cases, if you're about to do something that will affect your tube, the operator's workstation will warn you and recommend what you should do before proceeding. For example, if your system detects that the tube is cold, a message will come up recommending a warm up. Your tube life will benefit if you follow on-screen recommendations as often as possible.
What You Can Do to Extend GE CT Tube Life:
Tube Warm Ups
A premature exposure to high power levels creates a sudden influx of heat in a tube. This sudden heat can damage a tube or accelerate wear and tear on it
Before beginning your CT's daily schedule of patient scans or running a QA test on your system, it's important to perform the manufacturer-recommended warm up procedure. This will gradually increase the temperature in the tube and prevent damage from temperature shock. If your CT isn't in regular use, it's still recommended you warm it up and run a QA test at least once a week.
Shutting Down:
Tube life can also be preserved by following proper shutdown procedures. Do not shut down power to your gantry until the tube has had time to cool down.
If you have a newer GE tube with liquid bearings, consult manufacturer recommendations for shutdown and startup. These are designed to prepare your tube for use, and to ease it back into inactivity safely.
Preventative Maintenance
Make sure that your system is getting preventative maintenance (PM) at least thrice a year.
'Listen' to Your System
In many cases, if you're about to do something that will affect your tube, the operator's workstation will warn you and recommend what you should do before proceeding. For example, if your system detects that the tube is cold, a message will come up recommending a warm up. Your tube life will benefit if you follow on-screen recommendations as often as possible.
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