Staying up to date with the latest technology is crucial for radiologists who are aiming for precision and efficiency in their diagnoses. From MRI machines to CT scanners and beyond, a myriad of cutting-edge radiology devices flood the market, each having unique features and benefits. In the list below, we delved into the top radiology devices and brands, dissecting their capabilities and performance to empower radiologists in their quest to select the optimal imaging solution for their practice.
Ultrasound
One of many invaluable tools for radiologists, ultrasounds offer physicians real-time imaging insights into the body’s functions and allow them to treat their patients in the best and most applicable way possible. These non-invasive scans are one of the most important tools in the realm of medical imaging, and there are plenty of different producers of these machines for doctors to choose from.
- General Electric: General Electric, or GE, offers a variety of ultrasound machines designed for radiology practices. These machines are made for imaging various parts of the body for a number of radiology purposes. Some of their popular models are Logiq E10, Logiq S8 with XDclear, and Logiq Totus.
GE Logiq machines are notorious for producing high-quality images with improved contrast resolution. These machines are also a great choice for a wide variety of radiology applications – abdominal, breast, musculoskeletal, and more. On the other hand, GE machines can be on the more expensive side.
- Siemens Healthcare: Under their brand “Acuson,” Siemens Healthineers offers a number of ultrasound machines fit for radiologists. These machines are generally geared toward image quality, workflow efficiency, and overall advanced functionalities. The Acuson brand has machines ranging in intricacy – from Acuson NX3 which is made for everyday imaging needs and is easy to use, to Acuson S1000 which is more complex and high-performance.
Siemens machines are known for their workflow optimization, as well as their high image quality and resolution. Some of their higher-end models include features like elastography for tissue stiffness assessment as well as ultrasound features for detailed vascular imaging. Siemens also offers services and support for their ultrasound machines, in case doctors run into any issues.
- Philips Healthcare: Philips Healthcare offers a wide variety of ultrasound machines which address a wide range of radiology applications. Emphasizing the importance of image quality, advanced functionalities, and their ergonomic design. These machines may be a good choice and fit into any given radiology office.
A few of Philips Healthcare’s popular ultrasound machines are Philips EPIQ Elite, Philips Affiniti, and Philips EPIQ CVx. These machines offer plenty of tailored features to different specific areas of practice in radiology. From vascular imaging to obstetrics.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the cornerstones of radiology practices. These machines use powerful magnets and radio waves to look into what is going on inside a given patient’s body. MRIs generate detailed images of structures within the body and provide radiologists with information to deliver exceptional patient care.
- General Electric: GE offers a range of MRI machines under their brand named SIGNA which cater to radiologists. In order to best suit whatever imaging needs they are purchased for, these machines come in a variety of field strengths.
SIGNA MRI machines integrate AI features through their Edison platform. These features can greatly reduce scan times, which helps patients who may struggle with staying still during a long MRI. This AI can work to improve and essentially piece together an accurate image so that extra scans may not be needed.
- Siemens Healthcare: Siemens Healthcare has a brand called MAGNETOM, which is the brand they house their specialty MRI machines under. These machines work to improve image quality and workflow while still giving the patients a comfortable and positive experience.
Three of the most popular MRI machines under MAGNETOM are Vida, Prisma, and Skyra. Each of these offer a range of field strengths hence producing varying levels of images for a number of different radiology purposes. These MRI machines by Siemens offer BioMatrix technology, which goes above and beyond the traditional imaging by providing different insights into tissue properties. This advanced feature can aid in earlier detection and treatment planning.
- Philips Healthcare: With their in-house brand Ingenia, Philips Healthcare caters to radiologists with a number of different MRI machines. These machines work toward producing high-quality images and patient comfort; offering various field strengths to best fit different needs.
Philips Ingenia machines offer not only high-quality images, but features like Compressed SENSE that can significantly reduce scan times. This helps doctors get their work done quicker as well as make patients who may have claustrophobia or similar issues more comfortable. These machines work great, but are rather large in size and may be hard for radiologists to fit in smaller office spaces.
X-Ray
At the backbone of diagnostic imaging, and one of the most well-known medical tools is the x-ray machine. A reliable and high-quality imaging machine that allows radiologists to see what’s going on inside a patient’s body. Whether it’s a foreign object in the body or a broken bone, x-rays give insight through high-quality images that deliver fast answers and fast results.
- Siemens Healthcare: Being one of the most popular choices for radiologists in terms of other imaging machines, Siemens also offers high-quality x-ray machines under their product lines Axiom and Arcadis. These machines work to optimize overall workflow and create faster and higher-quality results.
Not only do Siemens x-ray machines work to produce high-quality images, they aim to provide lower doses of radiation exposure during the process. This reduces exposure for not only the patient, but for the radiologist technician administering the exam. Features such as fluoroscopy and dose-tracking software can help to achieve this.
- Canon Medical Systems: Canon Medical Systems may be one of the lesser-known companies when it comes to production of radiology-imaging machines. However, it ranks high among radiologists for a number of reasons – including image quality and dose reduction.
Canon offers a variety of different machines with varying capabilities. Some of these machines are APRIO aXD, Canonmobil Versatility, and the CXDI-DR series. Each of these machines offer high image quality, using an advanced detector technology and features like automatic exposure control (AEC), which aids in the production of consistent image quality for all examinations.
- Shimadzu Corporation: Another possibly lesser-known company that specializes in radiology machines is the Shimadzu Corporation. In terms of x-ray machines, Shimadzu has two different product lines – MobileDaRt and SonialVision. These systems are known to be reliable and affordable, as well as being on the more user-friendly side.
Shimadzu Corporation has a reputation of careful craftsmanship when it comes to the design of their machines. These x-ray systems are known to be very reliable, with a long history of their success in the radiology field. With features like digital flat-panel detectors and automatic exposure control, these machines consistently produce high-quality images.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
CT scans are an extremely prevalent and important part of radiology practices. They provide cross-sectional images that give answers to diagnosing a variety of conditions, such as tumors, fractures, and a number of medical abnormalities. Many of these findings are not accessible in other imaging techniques, which makes a high-quality CT scanner of utmost importance.
- Siemens Healthcare: Siemens Healthineers offers a number of high-quality CT scanners for radiologists. They market these scanners under their brand names, “Somatom.” These CT scanners are catered to radiologists and offer different options in varying configurations.
A few of the most popular Somatom CT scanners are Force, Go.Fit, Scope, and Definition Flash. Varying in price, scan speed, and specializations, radiologists have their choice of options that would best suit their imaging needs.
- Canon Medical Systems: Under their brand Aquilion, Canon Medical Systems offers a large range of CT scanners that are known for great image quality and advanced features for radiologists.
Canon utilizes AI in their CT scanners in order to help optimize workflow and allow radiologists to optimize their daily schedules and get images faster. Through a feature called SUREWorkFlow, these machines are able to automate routine tasks, saving some extra work.
- Philips Healthcare: Philips Healthcare is a widely known name when it comes to imaging optimization in the radiology field. They’re known for innovation in the field and high image quality, especially evident in their iQon Elite Spectral CT scanner. Utilizing spectral imaging for greater detailed scans, this machine can lead to a more confident diagnosis.
Like a number of other companies, Philips Healthcare incorporates AI in some of their CT scanners, like the CT 5300. The use of AI aims to enhance overall efficiency and lead to faster, more accurate scans.