CT Scanner Installation Process - Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Planning for the best possible CT scanner installation
Outstanding service calls for teamwork and communication, and we at PrizMED Imaging are all about efficiency, customer benefit, and exemplary work. So, when installing a CT scanner at your site, our priority is to get you an FDA-certified CT scanner installed at your convenience and without undue stress.
Our CT installation process is designed to prevent problems, pitfalls, and worry. I guess you could say we're your "CT scanner peace-of-mind specialists."
Some of the ways to avoid pitfalls during the CT scanner installation can include:
- Keeping patient services running
- Fully preparing the facility
- Planning the CT delivery route
- Considering the ergonomics and preferences of the exam room
Knowing the potential pitfalls beforehand can help us provide the best service possible during the installation process, saving you time and money.
Pitfall #1 - Overlooking the site's location
Through telephone and email, we develop a clear and comprehensive picture of your facility. Our goal is to pull up in our truck, unload the CT scanner, and take the first steps in safely getting the system into your facility.
For instance, we need to know the location of the loading dock. Is there a forklift available? Will we need a crane? These are just a few of the many logistical details that need to be considered before our arrival.
At a recent installation (pictured here), we knew that it would be impossible to move the CT scanner from the facility's first floor to the CT exam room on the second floor. However, there were these french windows on the second floor that were wide enough for a CT entry. To solve this problem, we contacted a crane operator to lift the 3,500 lb. scanner up to those windows.
How to Avoid Pitfall #1 — Knowing the site location can help plan for obstacles when moving the scanner into the facility.
Pitfall #2: Stopping patient services during the installation
With contractors, equipment, and our personnel converging on your facility to expedite an efficient and effective installation, it's natural to think, "Well, darn it. We're going to have to shut down for a couple days, right?"
Nope — you can continue providing patient services while we install the scanner. We prefer to work hours that are convenient to you and when the facility is not at its busiest (i.e. weekends).
At a recent de-install, we were on-site for about 30 hours. We worked 25 of those 30 hours over the weekend so that the patient load wouldn't be inconvenient.
How to Avoid Pitfall #2 — You can keep your facility open and continue providing optimal patient care. With a mobile CT scanner, you can even provide CT scans during the installation.
Pitfall #3 - Improvising a CT system delivery route
One of the most challenging aspects of any CT installation is transporting the gantry to the imaging exam room. For a safe and efficient delivery, however, we need to plan the exact pathway we'll take, such as in the image below.
Mylar panels in the CT scanner delivery route to protect the facility's floor
In addition to knowing the route, we also measure doorways and hallways to make sure the bulky machine can enter without damaging the facility's structure. If there is a nursing station, another obstacle, or a slim doorway in the delivery route, then we use contractors to take these obstacles apart and rebuild them after the installation.
At a previous de-installation, the delivery route included a declining concrete ramp with an 180-degree turn. The decline was about 30 degrees. Knowing about this decline allowed us to safely, and effectively, navigate the gantry without putting the machine or our personnel in harm's way.
How to Avoid Pitfall #3 - Through due diligence when planning the system's delivery route, we can prepare for any obstacles that would otherwise impede the delivery process or put technicians in harm's way.
Pitfall #4 - Disregarding CT Exam Room Preferences
When it comes to placing the CT scanner in a specific way in the exam room and organizing the location of the ancillary equipment, we work with the facility to balance preferences and requirements.
At a previous installation, the old CT scanner had this metal ducting at the foot of the CT couch. Taller patients would end up hitting their feet against this metal piece during scans. When we put the new system in, we rotated the system so that it was diagonal in the room. This eliminated the metal ducting problem while still allowing plenty of space for the operator to walk around the couch.
How to Avoid Pitfall #4 — Always speak with the facility about potential problems with their old CT exam room layout. Balance exam room requirements with facility preferences to provide optimized operation.
Working together to avoid pitfalls
CT scanner installation is a process, no matter the scanner or the facility. Through this process, we at PrizMED Imaging are able to mitigate a whole range of potential pitfalls.
We offer full turnkey installation and project management (where you don't have to lift a finger). At the same time, we also allow our CT customers to pick and choose which logistical requirements they would like to confirm or resolve. In other words, by working together with your facility, we can avoid pitfalls and save both time and money.
If you would like more information about our installation process, you can speak with one of our technicians by contacting us or calling today at 440-414-7539.
