Buying a New X-Ray Machine - Advice and Offers

Radiology, together with X-Ray equipment, is an integral part of modern medicine. In the medical field, electromagnetic radiation is mainly used for diagnostics in order to detect anomalies in the tissue or bone structure and in their treatment. X-rays are part of medical radiology and still function today as the most important imaging method in the medical field.

X-rays are also used in medical therapy. The so-called X-Ray stimulus radiation (orthovolt therapy) is a form of radiation therapy in which acute and chronic inflammations as well as scar tissue on the patient's musculoskeletal system are treated with the aid of minimal radiation exposure in multiple applications.

Whether a medical practice, hospital or a clinic: Modern X-Ray devices are indispensable for outpatient and inpatient services for an efficient imaging diagnostics.

The range of applications for X-Ray equipment extends from general practitioners for human medicine to dentistry and veterinary. The prices for a new, digital X-ray device usually range from around 50,000 to 100,000 euros net.

As a general rule, a digital X-Ray machine is more expensive than an analog basic model. Digital X-ray machines cost around 90,000 euros net, while a new, analogue basic model is expected to cost around 40,000 euros net.

Our tip: A general practitioner does not necessarily have to purchase a new, expensive X-Ray unit for his practice if the existing analogue X-ray unit has a CE mark. In such a case, a retrofit can simply be enough.

Anyone who wants to buy a new X-Ray machine today is initially confronted with a multitude of challenges. In addition to costs and financing, the question of the right technology or the right manufacturer also plays a role.

However, it is gradually getting harder to resist switching to a digital X-ray machine. In order to work economically, modern equipment is needed that enables high image quality and facilitates the diagnosis of diseases. Digital X-Ray devices in particular can meet these requirements, even if the conversion of analog devices offers similarly good results.

Digital or Analogue X-Ray Machine?

Today, digital X-Ray is an integral part of modern medical diagnostics. Digital X-Ray guarantees reduced radiation exposure, replaces conventional X-Ray film and simplifies the workflow. The doctor can view the high-quality X-Ray images immediately after the examination on a PC or diagnostic monitor and process them afterwards. Further advantages and disadvantages of both types of X-Ray machines are:

The Right X-Ray Software

When purchasing a new X-Ray unit, you should ensure that it can be integrated into the existing practice software. Is the X-Ray unit compatible with the latest Windows version? If not, can the X-Ray machine be retrofitted? It is also important to know which programs are already integrated in the X-Ray unit or have to be purchased additionally.

Since 1995, DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) has been the standard format for archiving and distributing digital images. Using the DICOM interface, X-Ray images can be stored directly in the existing archiving software. PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is the standardized solution for storing digital images - a digital image archiving system. Depending on the manufacturer, the system can be upgraded with additional document management features.

Used X-Ray Equipment / Trade-in

While a new purchase can quickly exceed 100,000 euros net, a used X-Ray machine that has only been in use for a few years can be found for 30 percent under the original price. It is often also possible to upgrade the analogue X-Ray unit, even if the unit has already been purchased second-hand. Many dealers therefore offer various modular upgrade options for second-hand systems.

Expert Interviews on the Purchase of X-Ray Machines

There are over 70 producers on the medical equipment market who offer X-Ray equipment with flexible treatment services, the highest hygiene standards and digital networking. The producers' offerings range from X-Ray machines, X-Ray tubes and X-Ray screens through computer tomographs to alpha, beta and gamma-ray equipment.

Currently, high-quality, digital products with CE marking dominate the medical technology market, as these devices optimize the workflow and guarantee rapid treatment of the patient. World market leaders in the medical technology field of imaging diagnostics are Siemens Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and Canon Medical with three quarters of the world market share.

Maintenance work on the X-Ray machine is usually carried out every three months. The intervals are specified by the manufacturer, and non-compliance with them may result in liability consequences.

This is followed by a safety check, which determines the functionality of the X-ray equipment on the day of the test and attempts to ensure timely detection of equipment defects. This includes the exchange of modules, the wiring of the equipment and the investigation of other potential sources of danger. In this context, the so-called remote service represents a procedure for reducing technical malfunctions and failures.

Data is collected from the X-Ray device and transmitted via a permanent network connection (VPN) to the manufacturer's computer centre. The data is then automatically evaluated on site. In this way, system faults can be quickly rectified by remote diagnosis and access. Alternatively, you can also conclude a maintenance contract with the manufacturer or a provider.

In general, the X-Ray examination is never completely risk-free and the level of radiation exposure depends significantly on the respective X-Ray application. Risks and side effects associated with radiation exposure during X-Ray examinations are in rare cases allergic reactions caused by the injection of radiopaque material.

The aim of an optimal X-Ray examination is diagnostically relevant imaging with minimal radiation exposure of the patients. An initial overview of radiation exposure can be found in the following table.