Expert Resources & Guides
Everything you need to make informed CT tube decisions
Ultimate Buying Guide
Complete guide to CT tube replacement & purchasing
Maintenance Guide
Extend tube life 40%+ with preventive care
TCO Analysis
Calculate true 10-year ownership costs
Tube Database
Search 350K+ parts with pricing
Manufacturer-Specific Guides
Rapid Delivery & Service
Priority fulfillment—same day shipping US.
Discounted Pricing
OEM-quality CT tubes at industry-leading prices.
Expert Quality Assurance
All tubes tested and supported by certified Sentinel Imaging specialists.
Complete Tube Inventory
Over 350,000 parts
Most Popular Part Request - CT Tube Replacement
Click any manufacturer below to view detailed buying guides with pricing, compatibility, and replacement options
How It Works
A simple, streamlined process to get you the parts you need, fast.
Choose Your Model
Select the CT tube model compatible with your scanner.
Order with Expedited Processing
Your order is prioritized for same-day processing and shipping.
Installation & Support
Certified installation and ongoing support.
Why Choose Sentinel?
We are your direct source for discounted, high-quality CT tubes, backed by the best in the business.
20 years of sales service and repair, your #1 source for CT tubes.
Same-day priority order processing & service to minimize downtime.
Financing and $0-down options available via Sentinel Imaging.
Total Cost of Ownership Breakdown
Purchasing a CT scanner is only the beginning. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes not only the machine but also maintenance, part replacements, and downtime costs. Studies show that the initial purchase represents only 20–30% of the total 10-year cost, while service contracts and part replacements dominate long-term expenses.
→ Read the complete TCO Analysis Guide for detailed breakdowns
Initial Purchase: 20–30%
The upfront cost is significant but often less than half of the lifetime cost.
Service Contracts: 35–50%
Long-term service agreements drive the highest recurring expenses.
CT Tube Replacements: 15–25%
X-ray tubes are among the costliest components to replace and can fail unexpectedly.
Downtime: 10–15%
Every day of downtime can mean thousands in lost revenue—up to $40,000 per day.
Service Options Comparison
Managing CT system maintenance is a balancing act between cost control and risk tolerance. Different service strategies provide different benefits.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer
✔ Best support and certified parts
✖ Highest cost (often 2–3x ISO rates)
ISO
Independent Service Organization
✔ Lower cost (25–50% less than OEM)
✔ Flexible service models
✖ Must vet quality standards carefully
MVS
Multi-Vendor Services
✔ Ideal for facilities with multiple imaging systems
✔ Broad expertise
✖ Limited tube inventory in some cases
In-house HTM
Healthcare Tech Management
✔ Lowest direct cost
✖ Requires highly trained staff and parts sourcing strategy
CT Tube Lifespan & Cost
The X-ray tube is the most critical and expensive component of your CT system. Its lifespan is determined by usage patterns, heat loading, and bearing technology.
→ Learn more in the Ultimate CT Tube Buying Guide
Ball Bearing Tubes
✔ Common in mid-range systems
✔ Lower initial cost ($20k–35k refurbished)
✖ Shorter lifespan: 50–60 million mAs
✖ Higher risk of arcing over time
Liquid Metal Bearings
✔ Found in high-end scanners
✔ Longer lifespan: 120–150 million mAs
✔ Quieter operation, fewer failures
✖ Costly: $80k–100k new
Pro Tip: Replacing a tube before catastrophic failure reduces downtime and secondary damage.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Proactive tube care saves thousands in repair and downtime costs. Following these steps extends the lifespan of your CT system.
→ See the complete Maintenance & Preventive Care Guide for detailed procedures
Warm Up Tubes Before Use
Reduces thermal stress and premature wear on anode and bearings.
Monitor Arcing Events
Frequent arcs indicate tube end-of-life—plan replacement early.
Avoid Overuse of High-Dose Protocols
Exceeding design thresholds accelerates tube degradation.
All data sourced from independent educational and research organizations: Radiology Today, 24x7 Magazine, Medical Physics Journal, ECRI.
CT Tube Database & Pricing Guide
Search and compare CT tube specifications, pricing, and replacement options across all major manufacturers
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Manufacturer-Specific Buying Guides
Detailed guides for each major CT scanner manufacturer with pricing, compatibility, and expert recommendations
Siemens Healthineers
Straton, Akron & Dura Series
Navigate Siemens' proprietary technology. Understand Straton limitations, find refurbished alternatives, and optimize costs for Sensation, Definition, and Somatom systems.
- Sensation, Definition, Somatom systems
- Save up to 60% with refurbished Straton
- Service contract considerations
Everything You Could Possibly Need to Know About CT Tubes
The complete guide to buying, replacing, and maintaining CT scanner tubes. Learn how to save 30-50% on replacement costs while making informed decisions that protect your facility's bottom line.
Extend Your CT Tube Life by 40%+
Learn the daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance procedures that save tens of thousands in replacement costs and prevent costly downtime.
- Daily warm-up procedures that extend tube life 40%+
- Reduce unexpected failures by 60%
- Save $50K-200K+ annually in maintenance costs
- Comprehensive checklists and troubleshooting guides
What You'll Learn:
Critical warm-up protocols and monitoring (15-30 min)
Comprehensive inspections and calibration checks
Protocol optimization and environmental control
Fix common issues before they become failures
Understand Your True Scanner Costs
The purchase price is only 15-30% of total ownership cost. Learn how to calculate complete 10-year TCO and reduce costs by 15-25% through strategic optimization.
- Complete TCO breakdowns by scanner type and volume
- Service contract comparison (OEM vs ISO savings)
- Tube replacement cost strategies ($250K-800K savings)
- Downtime cost calculations and prevention
Example TCO Comparison:
10-year total cost
10-year total cost
Scanner B saves $500,000 over 10 years despite costing $600K more upfront