ECRI Institute recently released a new “infographic-style white paper” titled CT Scanning Systems which offers comprehensive information on computed tomography (CT) systems that are currently available for hospitals. The paper offers decision makers in hospitals with information covering the latest models, pricing structures and dosage information to ensure patient safety. ECRI Institute is a non-profit research organization that provides optimized approaches to improve patient care.

In a release, Jennifer Myers, ECRI Institute's vice president of SELECT Health Technology Services said that, “There are more options than ever when choosing which CT scanning system to buy. Hospitals are asking for guidance on performance levels as well as how to ensure their patients are protected from cancer risks associated with radiation overexposure.”

ECRI’s white paper attempts to provide radiology/diagnostic imaging directors and hospital C-Suite decision-makers with enough information to help them make informed decisions while selecting and procuring these systems. In that respect, the paper discusses performance level of the various CT scanner machines from 16 -slice to premium models and lists out the top 4 CT manufacturers based on their member interest ranking. The paper also lists out the 10 CT models and their average costs. Additionally, the paper provides insight into new dose reduction technologies and delivers guidelines for dose safety.

The latest development within the CT system market has been with respect to lowering of radiation dose via advanced technologies which can effectively lower dose anywhere from 20 to 80 percent. The paper also explores Iterative Reconstruction (IR), advanced image processing software which brings down image noise and radiation dose to ensure safety of the patient from the associated risks of radiation overexposure.

Incorporating an infographic-style, the paper offers graphical representations that range from simple illustrations and data based charts and graphs of data which provides senior hospital staff with a quick view of the real issues surrounding CT scanning.