CT Scanner Maintenance Guide for Pakistani Hospitals

A CT scanner is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment a hospital owns — often costing PKR 20 million or more. Proper preventive maintenance is not optional; it is the difference between a scanner that lasts 15 years and one that fails after 5.

Daily Checks (by Radiology Staff)

• Run the daily quality control (QC) phantom scan


• Check coolant levels on the X-ray tube


• Verify UPS battery status


• Check that room temperature is within manufacturer specifications (typically 18–24°C)


• Log any error codes or unusual sounds

Weekly Maintenance (by Biomedical Engineer)

• Clean air filters on the gantry and console


• Check all cable connections


• Verify detector calibration


• Review error logs from the past week


• Test emergency stop functions

Monthly Preventive Maintenance

• Full detector calibration


• Tube current and voltage verification


• Mechanical inspection of gantry rotation


• Software backup


• Cooling system inspection

Annual Major Service

Once a year, schedule a comprehensive service that includes X-ray tube performance testing, high-voltage generator testing, and a full software update. This is best done by a manufacturer-certified engineer.

Common Problems in Pakistani Hospitals

Power fluctuations: Pakistan's unstable electricity is the number one cause of CT scanner damage. Invest in a good online UPS with automatic voltage regulation (AVR). Never run a CT scanner without proper power protection.

Dust accumulation: Pakistan's dusty environment clogs filters faster than manufacturers expect. Increase filter cleaning frequency from monthly to weekly in dusty cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Multan.

Water cooling issues: Many CT scanners use water cooling. Ensure water quality is maintained and the cooling system is checked regularly, especially in summer.

When to Call an Engineer Immediately

• Any error code that does not clear after restarting


• Unusual noise from the gantry during rotation


• Image quality degradation (noise, artifacts, blurring)


• Overheating warnings


• Any smoke or burning smell