The Crucial Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Early Disease Detection

In this article, we will explore diagnostic imaging equipment’s pivotal role in identifying diseases at their earliest stages. We will also examine some of the more popular pre-owned equipment systems available today to help clinicians in early disease detection.

Early Intervention

Diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds remain the frontline defenders against hidden health threats. They enable healthcare professionals to peer inside the body, unveiling anomalies, often before symptoms surface. In a recent study, it was revealed that early diagnosis through diagnostic imaging led to an approximately 20% increase in the effectiveness of cancer treatment options for lung cancer (American Association for Cancer Research). X-ray systems are plentiful and are manufactured by many leading companies including GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare, and many others.  The key manufacturers of CT, PET/CT, and MRI systems in the U.S. are GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Medical, and Canon Medical.  There are other brands sold both in the U.S. and around the world.

Breast Cancer Detection

Mammography and digital tomosynthesis have revolutionized the early detection of breast cancer. Recent data showcases the remarkable potential of early diagnosis. When breast cancer is detected in its initial stages, the 5-year survival rate soars to as high as 99% (Cancer.org), underlining the life-saving potential of diagnostic imaging. In May 2023, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) proposed lowering the recommended age for beginning regular mammograms from 50 to 40 (University of Colorado Cancer Center). Furthermore, advancements in breast imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography, have improved accuracy and reduced false positives, providing women with more reliable results. Popular makes/models of mammography machines include: GE Essential, GE Senographe, Hologic Selenia Dimensions, and Siemens MAMMOMAT.

Cardiovascular Health

In the realm of cardiovascular health, diagnostic imaging continues to be a game-changer. Imaging techniques like angiography and coronary CT angiography enable cardiologists to visualize arterial blockages, aneurysms, and other heart-related issues with unprecedented precision. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 80% of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented or managed with early detection and lifestyle changes (Harvard University). The adoption of more sophisticated imaging technology has further increased the accuracy of diagnosis. There are several companies that manufacture CT Scanners that can produce these images. Popular models in the pre-owned equipment market include:

Siemens CT Scanners

• Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge
• Siemens SOMATOM Force
• Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS
• Siemens Sensation & Sensation Open models
• Siemens Go NOW
• Siemens Perspective

GE CT Scanners

• GE Discovery CT 590 RT
• GE Discovery CT750 HD
• GE Optima 660
• GE Optima 540
• GE Revolution EVO
• GE Revolution HD
• GE LightSpeed 16
• GE BrightSpeed 16

Canon (formerly Toshiba) CT Scanners

• Canon (formerly Toshiba) Aquilion ONE / GENESIS Edition
• Canon (formerly Toshiba) Aquilion Prime

Philips CT Scanners

• Philips IQon Spectral
• Philips Brilliance & Big Bore 16 Slice
• Philips Ingenuity 64 Slice

Neurological Disorders

MRI scans have emerged as a lifeline in identifying neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, strokes, and brain tumors at their earliest stages. In the case of strokes, recent research underscores the urgency of early detection. Approximately 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke (Dignity Health), highlighting the critical role that diagnostic imaging plays in expediting diagnosis and potentially life-saving intervention. There are several major manufacturers of MRI machines, including Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Philips Medical Systems, and Canon/Toshiba.

GE MRI Machines

• GE Signa Horizon LX 1.5T
• GE Signa Explorer 1.5T
• GE Signa Voyager 1.5T
• GE Signa Architect
• GE Ovation
• GE Discovery MR750 3T
• GE Optima MR450w 1.5T
• GE HDxT 3T
• GE Signa

Siemens MRI Machines

• Siemens Magnetom Aera 1.5T
• Siemens Magnetom Espree 1.5T
• Siemens Somatom Skyra 3T
• Siemens Magnetom Essenza 1.5T

Hitachi MRI Machines

• Hitachi Oasis Open 1.2T
• Hitachi Enchelon XL 1.5T
• Hitachi Airis Elite

Philips MRI Machines

• Philips Infinion 1.5T
• Philips Ingenia 1.5T & 3T
• Philips Achieva 1.5T & 3T

Canon (formerly Toshiba) MRI Machines

• Canon (formerly Toshiba) Titan 1.5T
• Canon (formerly Toshiba) Elan 1.5T

Esaote G-Scan Brio XP

Nuclear medicine is often used for detecting and staging certain types of cancer. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which use radioactive tracers, can help in the early detection of cancer and its spread to other parts of the body. Some popular PET scan machines include:

GE PET/CTs

• GE Discovery IQ
• GE Discovery 710 128 Slice
• GE Discovery MI

Philips PET/CTs

• Philips Ingenuity TF
• Philips Gemini TF Big Bore
• Philips Vereos

Siemens PET/CTs

• Siemens Biograph 40
• Siemens Biograph mCT
• Siemens Biograph Vision
• Siemens Biograph Horizon

Bone Health

DEXA scans have become indispensable in detecting osteoporosis, a silent disease that weakens bones. Recent statistics highlight the impact of early diagnosis, reducing the risk of fractures by up to 50%. More so, early diagnosis of osteoporosis can reduce treatment costs by over 20% (National Library of Medicine). This preservation of bone health greatly improves the quality of life for millions of individuals, especially the aging population. Popular makes/models of bone densitometers include GE Lunar Prodigy, Hologic Discovery, and Norland XR800.

Conclusion

Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of disease. Pre-owned diagnostic imaging equipment systems are lower in cost and often a viable alternative to brand-new equipment, especially in hospitals and clinics around the world where reimbursement rates are lower, or in rural centers where patient volumes are limited.

For a full list of refurbished diagnostic imaging equipment view our inventory or reach out to one of our Sales professionals who can help guide you to the equipment that is best for your practice. These advanced technologies are invaluable in maintaining health and catching potential health issues in their earliest and most manageable stages.