ECRI: CT market targets iterative reconstruction, dose reduction

Iterative reconstruction (IR), image processing software that reduces image noise while reducing radiation dose to patients, is the CT scanner technology garnering the most interest today, according to a white paper, “CT Scanning Systems,” published by the ECRI Institute.

IR technique usually requires additional hardware and it can be costly—$140,000 to $200,000 when purchased with the scanner, according to ECRI.

In addition to IR, CT manufacturers are utilizing technologies such as automatic exposure control, axial cardiac scanning and overbeaming elimination as dose reduction techniques. For ways that providers can optimize dose safety, ECRI recommended checking appropriateness, optimizing protocols, recording dose in all exams and using patient-specific dose control. They also suggested raising awareness among referring physicians and providing system-specific training to staff.

“CT Scanning Systems” provides an overview of the top CT vendors and models. GE Healthcare edges out Siemens Healthcare for market share (33 percent to 30 percent), followed by Toshiba America Medical Systems and Philips Healthcare. GE’s LightSpeed VCT 72 is listed as the top CT model.

The full report is available on the ECRI Institute website.

Evan Godt
Evan Godt, Writer

Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.

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