WHAT IS A CAT SCANNER?
A computed tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner is a medical imaging tool that provides clear pictures of the internal structures of the body.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Raw Materials
A wide variety of materials, such as steel, glass, and plastic, are used to construct the components of a CAT scanner. Some of the more specialized compounds can be found in the patient couch, detector array, and x-ray tube. The patient couch is typically made from carbon fibre to prevent it from interfering with the x-ray beam transmission.
The detector array of more modern scanners uses tungsten plates, a ceramic substrate, and xenon gas. Tungsten is also used to make the cathode and electron beam target of the x-ray tube. Other materials found in the tube are Pyrex. glass, copper, and tungsten alloys. Throughout many parts of the CAT scanner system, lead can be found, which reduces the amount of excess radiation.
CAT scanner manufacture is typically an assembly of various components that are supplied by outside manufacturers. The following process discusses how the major components are produced.
Gantry assembly components
The x-ray tube is made much like other types of electrical diodes. The individual components, including the cathode and anode, are placed inside the tube envelope and vacuum sealed. The tube is then situated into the protective housing, which can then be attached to the rotating portion of the scanner frame.
Various detector arrays are available for CAT scanners. One type of detector array is the ideal gas-filled detector. This is made by placing strips of tungsten 0.04 inches (1 mm) apart around a large metallic frame. A ceramic substrate holds the strips in place. The entire assembly is hermetically sealed, and pressure-filled with an inert gas such as xenon. Each of the tiny chambers formed by the gaps between the tungsten plates is an individual detector. The finished detector is also attached to the scanner frame.
To create a large amount of voltage needed to produce x rays, an autotransformer is used. This power supply device is made by winding wire around a core. Electric tap connections are made at various points along with the coil and connected to the main power source. With this device, the output voltage can be increased to approximately twice the input voltage.
Control console and computer
The control console and computer are specially designed and supplied by computer manufacturers. The primary model-building computer is specifically programmed with the reconstruction algorithms needed to manipulate the x-ray data from the gantry assembly. The control consoles are also programmed with software to control the administration of the CAT scan.
Final assembly
The final assembly of the CAT scanner is a custom process that often takes place in the radiologic imaging facility. Rooms are specially designed to house each component and minimize the potential for excessive radiation exposure or electric shock. By following specific plans, equipment installation and wiring of the entire CAT scanner system is completed.
Quality Control
As with all electronic equipment, quality control tests are an important part of CAT scanner manufacturing. The scanner manufacturers typically rely on their suppliers to perform basic quality tests on the incoming components. When sections of the scanner are assembled, visual and electrical inspections are performed throughout the entire process to detect flaws. In addition to the quality specifications set by the manufacturers, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulations that require manufacturers to perform specific quality control tests. Examples of these tests include calibration tests of the x-ray tube, mechanical tests of the patient table, and standardization tests of the visual output.
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DISCLAIMER
The information is provided by Tecquisition for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If you have any feedback, comments, requests for technical support or other inquiries, please mail us at tecqusition@gmail.com.
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