GE Healthcare dominates the CT scanner market with systems installed in thousands of facilities worldwide. If you operate a GE scanner, understanding your tube replacement options is critical to managing costs while maintaining uptime and image quality.
This comprehensive guide covers every GE tube family from legacy MX series to the latest Performix HD technology. You'll learn exactly which tubes fit your scanner, what they cost, how long they last, and which alternatives can save you thousands without compromising performance.
What Makes GE Tubes Different
GE has developed CT tube technology over decades, creating distinct tube families optimized for different scanner generations and clinical applications. Unlike some manufacturers who use highly proprietary designs, GE tubes generally have good aftermarket support with quality compatible and refurbished options available.
Key Advantages of GE's Approach:
- Broad compatibility across scanner generations
- Strong aftermarket support from Varex, Chronos, and Dunlee
- Relatively straightforward installation and calibration
- Good availability of refurbished tubes
- Flexible software that accepts compatible tubes with minimal issues
Understanding GE's Naming Conventions:
- MX Series: Legacy tubes named by heat capacity (MX-135, MX-165, MX-200, MX-240)
- Performix Series: Modern tubes named by scanner family (Performix, Performix VCT, Performix Pro, Performix HD)
- Heat Capacity: Measured in MHU (Million Heat Units) - higher numbers mean more powerful tubes
GE MX Series Tubes: Legacy Systems
The MX series represents GE's earlier generation of CT tubes, still widely used in facilities operating Brightspeed, HiSpeed, and early Lightspeed systems. These ball bearing tubes are proven workhorses with excellent aftermarket support.
Compatible Scanners:
- HiSpeed CT/e & CT/e dual
- Brivio CT315, CT325, CT385
Technical Specifications:
Pricing Overview:
| Option | Price Range | Warranty | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE OEM New | $65,000-75,000 | 12-24 months | 2-4 weeks |
| Certified Refurbished | $20,000-35,000 | 6-12 months | In stock |
| Chronos DA135 CT/e | $45,000-60,000 | 12 months | 1-2 weeks |
| Varex GS2276 | $50,000-65,000 | 12 months | 1-2 weeks |
Buying Recommendations:
The MX-135 serves older scanner models that are likely candidates for replacement within 2-4 years. Investing in new OEM tubes rarely makes financial sense for these systems.
- Best value: Quality refurbished tubes at $20,000-35,000 offer excellent ROI
- Compatible option: Consider Chronos or Varex if keeping scanner 4+ years
- Avoid: Extremely cheap refurbished tubes under $15,000 often indicate poor quality
Compatible Scanners:
- Brightspeed Edge/Elite/Excel Select
- HiSpeed DX/I, FX/I, LX/I, NX/I
- Optima CT520
- Optima CT520 Pro
Technical Specifications:
Pricing Overview:
| Option | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| GE OEM New | $65,000-75,000 | 12-24 months |
| Certified Refurbished | $25,000-50,000 | 6-12 months |
| Chronos DA165NP | $50,000-65,000 | 12 months |
Buying Recommendations:
MX-165 serves Brightspeed and Optima CT520 systems with 5-10 years of remaining useful life. Compatible tubes from Chronos or Varex offer the best balance for facilities planning 3-5 more years of operation.
This Guide Continues With:
- MX-200 & MX-240 detailed specifications
- Complete Performix series breakdown
- Compatible manufacturer comparisons
- Installation & calibration procedures
- Warranty comparisons & optimization
- Cost optimization strategies & FAQs
Get expert guidance on the exact tube your GE scanner needs, with pricing tailored to your facility
Quick Reference: GE Tube Comparison
| Model | Heat Capacity | Lifespan | OEM Price | Refurb Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-135 | 3.5 MHU | 50-60M mAs | $65K-75K | $20K-35K |
| MX-165 | 4.5 MHU | 60-80M mAs | $65K-75K | $25K-50K |
| MX-200 | 5.5 MHU | 120-150M mAs | $100K | $25K-40K |
| MX-240 | 7.5 MHU | 150-180M mAs | $150K | $60K-80K |
| Performix HD | 8-10 MHU | 250-300M mAs | $225K | $80K-110K |