The tube is one of the expensive consumable components in a CT machine. The quality of its application will directly affect the smooth operation of CT and medical work, and also have an impact on the economic and social benefits of the hospital. The factors that affect the lifespan of CT tubes are summarized as follows for your reference:
1. WARMUP scanning operation
When a CT scan is resumed several hours after it has been stopped, one should follow the machine's prompts to perform a preheating scan. Preheating scan
Tracing is beneficial for extending the lifespan of the tube and ensuring good image quality.
2. Correctly control the exposure conditions
Based on the patient's age, weight and scanning site, accurately set the scanning conditions to reduce unnecessary tube loss and minimize the harm of excessive radiation to both the patient and the operator. The "SMARTSCAN" function used in high-end machines can automatically adjust the exposure dose during scanning while ensuring the image quality, which is an effective way to extend the tube.
3. Control the length of the SCOUTVIEW
Accurately position the patient and confirm the scanning area, minimizing the exposure of non-examination areas as much as possible. Prevent "pulling a wide net to catch small fish".
4. Temperature, humidity and environmental control
The tube generates a large amount of heat during the exposure process. Equipping an air conditioning system with sufficient capacity, strictly controlling the temperature and humidity of the scanning room in accordance with the rules, and ensuring the circulation of air within the scanning frame will be conducive to the effective heat dissipation of the tubes. At the same time, maintaining indoor cleanliness and reducing the entry of dust can prevent dust from clogging the tube radiator.
5. Reduce the idle consumption of the rotating anode (ROTOR) and filament of the tube
When the scanning program is in the "ready" state, the exposure scanning should be stopped immediately. At this time, the rotating anode of the tube has accelerated to a high speed of approximately 10,000 revolutions per minute, and the filament has also been heated to the temperature required for exposure. If the exposure is not stopped in time, it will cause the tube to be idle.
6. Good maintenance
Conducting preventive maintenance on equipment and ensuring the overall good condition of the equipment, especially the high-pressure control system of the ball tubes, is an important element to guarantee the operation of the ball tubes.
7. The power grid is stable and clean
The stability, cleanliness and sufficient capacity of the power supply system are necessary conditions for ensuring the stable operation of CT tubes and the system. Prevent other large-capacity equipment, especially thyristor chopping or medium and high-frequency speed regulation and temperature control systems, from using the same power supply circuit, as it may cause violent fluctuations or distortions in the power grid.
8. Arrange the sequence of patients reasonably
According to the different scanning sites of the scheduled patients, the patients requiring high-dose exposure and those requiring low-dose exposure should be interspersed. Give the ball manager a chance to catch his breath.
9. Good operating procedures
Formulate and strictly enforce operating procedures. For medium and low-end CT equipment, before turning off the control power supply every day, it is necessary to wait for at least twenty minutes or more to allow the CT tube to cool down fully. Prohibit the use of high-power wireless devices such as mobile phones in the CT room to prevent interference and damage.