Small Footprint CT Scanners: Best Options for Tight Spaces

Not every imaging facility has the luxury of wide hallways, large suites, or custom buildouts. Whether you're operating in an older building, a mobile trailer, or a compact urgent care center, finding the right CT scanner means balancing clinical power with physical space limitations.

If you're searching for a system that fits your clinical goals without stretching your square footage, here’s what to look for, along with examples of small footprint CT scanners we recommend.

What Defines a “Small Footprint” CT Scanner?

Small footprint CT systems are compact in design but still deliver reliable diagnostic performance. Key characteristics include:

• Slim gantry and shorter system length
• Integrated console or compact workstation
• Reduced room dimension requirements
• Slightly lower cooling and power infrastructure needs

These systems are especially well-suited for satellite clinics, rural facilities, orthopedic offices, and mobile installations.

Key Considerations for Tight Spaces

Before selecting a scanner, evaluate:

• Room dimensions: Can the unit fit with enough clearance for patient positioning and staff movement?
• Power requirements: Some small footprint units run on 208V 3-phase, which can be easier to integrate into standard clinical buildings.
• Cooling and ventilation: Some systems can operate with basic HVAC support, eliminating the need for costly upgrades.
• Workflow needs: Will the system meet your throughput, scan type, and image quality expectations?

Best Small Footprint CT Scanner Options

Here are a few compact CT scanners commonly used in tight spaces, all of which are supported or sourced by us:

NeuroLogica BodyTom 32

• Slice Count: 32
• Footprint: Self-contained, battery-operated, portable
• Use Case: Ideal for neuro, ICU, and OR settings
• Why It Works: The BodyTom can be wheeled into any standard room with minimal prep. No dedicated suite required.

GE Optima CT 540

• Slice Count: 16
• Footprint: Compact gantry and table, designed for smaller rooms
• Use Case: General imaging in small outpatient centers
• Why It Works: Proven 16-slice performance in a streamlined format. Room requirements are lower than typical GE CT units.

Siemens Somatom Emotion 16

• Slice Count: 16
• Footprint: One of the smallest fixed-site scanners available
• Use Case: Rural hospitals, orthopedic clinics, mobile trailers
• Why It Works: Reliable image quality with a minimal install footprint. Can operate in rooms as small as 270 sq ft.

Philips Brilliance 16 Compact

• Slice Count: 16
• Footprint: Tailored for limited-space installations
• Use Case: Mobile and modular imaging environments
• Why It Works: Compact gantry and cooling system. Flexible power and IT setup options.

Mobile and Portable Installations

If you're working within a mobile trailer or modular environment, small footprint CTs become even more critical. Units like the BodyTom or Emotion 16 have been proven in mobile setups due to their reduced weight, lower cooling demands, and flexible connectivity.

We Got Your Back! 

Just because your facility has limited space doesn’t mean you need to compromise on image quality or reliability. Small footprint CT scanners deliver the performance you need without the construction headaches or space constraints that come with larger models.

We help facilities choose systems that fit their layout, their patients, and their goals. If you're planning a CT install in a tight space, let’s talk. We can guide you toward the right model and help with layout, power planning, and shielding from day one.