Which CT Scanner is Best? A Detailed Breakdown of Every Slice Count & Top Models
CT scanners are categorized by their slice count, which determines imaging speed, resolution, and diagnostic capabilities. Below is a detailed breakdown of all available CT machines based on slice count, along with their respective brands and models.
1. 2-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Early-generation CT scanners with basic imaging capabilities.
- Used in small clinics and mobile units.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – CT/e (2-slice)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATom Spirit (2-slice, discontinued)
2. 4-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Faster than 2-slice but still limited in resolution.
- Suitable for general radiology.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – LightSpeed Plus (4-slice)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Emotion Duo (4-slice)
- Philips Healthcare – MX8000 (4-slice, discontinued)
3. 6-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Improved imaging speed over 4-slice models.
- Used in emergency and outpatient settings.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – BrightSpeed 6 (6-slice)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Emotion 6 (6-slice)
4. 8-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Better for cardiac and vascular imaging than lower-slice models.
- Still in use in some smaller hospitals.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – LightSpeed Ultra (8-slice, discontinued)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Emotion 8 (8-slice)
5. 10-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Rare configuration, mostly replaced by 16-slice scanners.
Brands & Models:
- Toshiba (Canon Medical) – Aquilion 10 (10-slice, discontinued)
6. 16-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Most common entry-level CT for hospitals.
- Good for general radiology and trauma imaging.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – BrightSpeed Elite (16-slice)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Emotion 16 (16-slice)
- Philips Healthcare – Brilliance 16 (16-slice)
- Canon Medical (Toshiba) – Aquilion 16 (16-slice)
7. 32-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Mid-range scanners with better cardiac and neurological imaging.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – Optima CT520 (32-slice)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Definition Edge (32-slice)
8. 40-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Less common, mostly replaced by 64-slice models.
Brands & Models:
- Toshiba (Canon Medical) – Aquilion CXL 40 (40-slice, discontinued)
9. 64-Slice CT Scan Machines
- The gold standard for hospitals (cardiac, vascular, and oncology imaging).
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – Revolution EVO (64-slice)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Definition AS (64-slice)
- Philips Healthcare – Ingenuity Core 128 (can operate in 64-slice mode)
- Canon Medical (Toshiba) – Aquilion 64 (64-slice)
10. 80-Slice CT Scan Machines
- High-speed imaging for advanced diagnostics.
Brands & Models:
- Toshiba (Canon Medical) – Aquilion Prime (80-slice)
11. 128-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Faster scans, lower radiation, and better 3D reconstruction.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – Optima CT660 (128-slice)
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Perspective (128-slice)
- Philips Healthcare – Brilliance iCT (128-slice)
12. 160-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Used in large hospitals for high-resolution imaging.
Brands & Models:
- Toshiba (Canon Medical) – Aquilion Lightning (160-slice)
13. 192-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Advanced cardiac and neurological imaging.
Brands & Models:
- Siemens Healthineers – SOMATOM Force (Dual-source, 2×192 slices)
14. 256-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Ultra-fast scanning for trauma and cardiac cases.
Brands & Models:
- GE Healthcare – Revolution CT (256-slice)
- Philips Healthcare – iCT Elite (256-slice)
15. 320-Slice CT Scan Machines
- Whole-organ imaging in a single rotation.
Brands & Models:
- Canon Medical (Toshiba) – Aquilion ONE / PRISM Edition (320-slice)
16. 640-Slice CT Scan Machines (Experimental/Research Use)
- Extremely high-resolution imaging (mostly in research settings).
Brands & Models:
- Canon Medical (Toshiba) – Aquilion ONE Genesis (640-slice prototype)
Conclusion
The slice count of a CT scanner determines its speed, resolution, and diagnostic capabilities. While 16 to 64-slice machines are standard in most hospitals, 128 to 320-slice scanners offer cutting-edge precision for specialized fields like cardiology and neurology.
Top Brands:
- GE Healthcare (Revolution, BrightSpeed, Optima)
- Siemens Healthineers (SOMATOM, Definition, Force)
- Philips Healthcare (Brilliance, Ingenuity, iCT)
- Canon Medical (Toshiba) (Aquilion, Prime, Lightning)