Dual-head Contrast Injection Systems
Installation teams in Lagos, Abuja, PH & Kano
Certified biomedical engineers & calibration
Pricing, lead-times & compliance in 24 hours
A CT contrast injector is a medical device used by radiologists and radiographers to automatically inject a precise volume of contrast media into a patient's bloodstream at a specific flow rate during a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This enhances the visibility of internal structures like blood vessels, organs, and tissues, leading to more accurate diagnoses of conditions such as tumours, blockages, and internal injuries. Without it, many critical details on a CT scan would be invisible, severely limiting the diagnostic power of your expensive CT scanner.
New CT contrast injectors in Nigeria range from NGN 12 million for basic single-head models to over NGN 35 million for advanced dual-head systems with full software integration. Refurbished units typically cost 40-60% less, from NGN 6 million to NGN 18 million. The final landed cost is driven by specifications like single vs. dual-head configuration, pressure limits (PSI), flow rate capabilities, brand reputation (e.g., Medrad vs. a lesser-known brand), included accessories like syringe kits, and the complexity of installation. Other major cost factors include foreign exchange rates at the time of purchase, international freight, customs clearance duties, local logistics, the length of the warranty, and the comprehensiveness of the included training for your radiographers and biomedical team. When requesting a quote, ensure it itemises the injector, starter consumables, installation, calibration certificate, training, and warranty separately to avoid surprises.
Contact Franance for a detailed, line-item quote tailored to your facility's needs.
The cheapest, safely operable CT contrast injectors in Nigeria start from NGN 6 - 9 million for a professionally refurbished single-head model from a reputable brand like Medrad or Guerbet. These units will have basic functionality (e.g., single-phase injection protocols) and may come with a shorter warranty, typically 6 months. Be cautious of quotes below this range, as they may indicate a poorly refurbished unit, a "grey market" import without OEM support, or hidden costs. The lowest quote often excludes critical items like a suitable UPS, installation by a certified engineer, initial calibration, and comprehensive user training, which can add another NGN 1 - 2.5 million to the total cost.
For a reliable entry-level option without hidden costs, contact Franance for a vetted, all-inclusive package.
An affordable, best-value CT contrast injector package in Nigeria costs between NGN 15 million and NGN 22 million. This bundle typically includes a new, reliable dual-head injector from a brand like Medrad (e.g., the Stellant D), full turnkey installation, OEM-certified calibration, a 2-3kVA pure sine wave UPS with an isolation transformer, on-site training for up to four staff members, and a 12-month comprehensive warranty. Investing in this complete package upfront reduces the 12-month operational cost by preventing downtime. A single day of downtime due to a failed injector or power issue can cost a busy diagnostic centre over NGN 500,000 in lost revenue, making the bundled approach more cost-effective than a piecemeal purchase.
Contact Franance to configure a value-focused bundle for your specific CT scanner.
A new CT contrast injector in Nigeria typically costs between NGN 12 million and NGN 35 million, while a professionally refurbished unit ranges from NGN 6 million to NGN 18 million. The primary difference lies in lifecycle, warranty, and software. A new unit offers the latest software features, full compatibility with modern CT scanners, a 1-2 year manufacturer's warranty, and an expected lifespan of 7-10 years. A refurbished unit, while significantly cheaper, usually comes with a 6-12 month warranty from the vendor (not the OEM), may have older software, and has a shorter remaining lifespan of 3-5 years. Lead time for new units can be 8-12 weeks, whereas refurbished models are often available locally within 2-4 weeks.
| Feature | New Contrast Injector | Refurbished Contrast Injector |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | NGN 12M - 35M | NGN 6M - 18M |
| Warranty | 12-24 months (OEM) | 6-12 months (Vendor) |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years | 3-5 years |
| Software | Latest version, full integration | Older version, may have limitations |
| Lead Time | 8-12 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Support | Direct OEM & local partner | Local vendor only |
Contact Franance to analyse the TCO of new vs. refurbished options for your facility.
Contact Franance today for a transparent, all-inclusive quote on new and refurbished CT contrast injectors, complete with installation and support.
Reputable suppliers are concentrated in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, but you must verify their credentials beyond their location. The safest way to buy is through a verified medical equipment solutions provider who can prove direct partnership with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) like Bayer (Medrad), Guerbet, or Bracco. Avoid generalist suppliers who cannot show OEM certification for sales and service. The verification process involves checking their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration, confirming they have OEM-trained biomedical engineers on staff, requesting references from other Nigerian hospitals they have supplied, and ensuring they have adequate insurance coverage. Franance pre-vets all its supply partners through a rigorous 30-point check to ensure they meet these standards.
Contact Franance to connect with an OEM-authorized and fully vetted supplier in Nigeria.
Franance is a technology-enabled procurement partner that provides access to a network of pre-vetted, OEM-authorized suppliers for CT contrast injectors across Nigeria. We manage the entire procurement lifecycle, from needs assessment and sourcing to logistics, installation, and after-sales support, ensuring you get authentic equipment with reliable local service. Our service coverage extends to all 36 states, with engineering support coordinated from hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
The best CT contrast injectors are those that balance clinical needs, reliability, and total cost of ownership. For top-tier performance, the Medrad Stellant D from Bayer is widely considered the gold standard in Nigeria, with new units ranging from NGN 25 million to NGN 35 million. It offers advanced dual-head injection protocols essential for complex cardiac and angiography studies.
Entry-Tier (Small Clinics, Low-Volume Centres): A refurbished single-head Medrad EnVision CT or a new basic model from a brand like Nemoto is ideal. Focus on reliability and ease of use. Price Range: NGN 8M - 15M.
Mid-Tier (General Hospitals, Busy Diagnostic Centres): The Guerbet OptiVantage Dual-Head or a new Medrad Salient is a workhorse. These offer dual-head capability for most routine and advanced procedures without the premium price of the top model. Price Range: NGN 16M - 24M.
Advanced-Tier (Teaching Hospitals, Specialized Cardiac Centres): The Medrad Stellant D or the Guerbet FlowSens are necessary. Key specs include high pressure limits (325 PSI), complex multi-phase injection protocols, and seamless integration with high-slice-count CT scanners (64-slice and above). Price Range: NGN 25M - 35M+.
How to match tier to workload:
Comparing CT contrast injector models requires looking beyond price to flow rate, pressure limits, syringe compatibility, and integration with your CT scanner. High-volume centres performing cardiac CTs need dual-head injectors with high pressure ratings (325 PSI) like the Medrad Stellant D, while a centre focused on routine body scans can achieve excellent results with a more affordable single-head model like the Medrad Salient.
| Tier | Best for | Key Specs | Lead-time | Maintenance | Power Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Low-volume clinics | Single-head, 300 PSI, 0.1-10 mL/s flow | 2-4 weeks (Refurb) | Annual PM | 1.5kVA UPS |
| Mid | General hospitals | Dual-head, 325 PSI, Saline flush, Basic protocols | 6-10 weeks (New) | Bi-annual PM | 2kVA UPS |
| Advanced | Teaching hospitals | Dual-head, 325 PSI, Advanced protocols (e.g., timing bolus), CT integration | 8-12 weeks (New) | Bi-annual PM, SLA | 3kVA UPS |
Medrad (a Bayer company) is widely regarded as the best and most reliable brand for CT contrast injectors in Nigeria due to its robust build quality, clinical reputation, and the established presence of trained service engineers and spare parts. Models like the Medrad Stellant D and Medrad Salient are industry workhorses found in leading Nigerian hospitals. Guerbet is another top-tier brand with excellent products like the OptiVantage, offering competitive performance and strong local support. Choosing between them often comes down to the specific support offered by the local Nigerian partner.
There is no fixed price list for CT contrast injectors in Nigeria, as costs are quoted based on configuration, logistics, and currency exchange rates. However, you can work with the following budget ranges:
When you receive a quote, it's a snapshot in time. The final Naira price is highly sensitive to the USD/EUR exchange rate. A 5% fluctuation in FX can change the final price by over NGN 1 million. Always ask for the quote's validity period (typically 14-30 days) and the base FX rate used. For example, a quote for a $30,000 injector at NGN 1,200/$ is NGN 36 million, but if the rate moves to NGN 1,300/$, the price becomes NGN 39 million. This is why locking in pricing with a down payment is crucial.
The five most critical specifications that directly impact clinical capability and patient safety are Flow Rate, Pressure Limit, Syringe Volume, Number of Heads (Single vs. Dual), and Programmability.
Flow Rate (mL/sec): Determines how fast contrast can be delivered. A range of 0.1 to 10 mL/sec is standard. Higher rates are essential for cardiovascular studies (CTA) to ensure a compact bolus of contrast.
Pressure Limit (PSI): The maximum pressure the injector can generate, typically 300-325 PSI. A 325 PSI limit is crucial for safely injecting viscous contrast media through small-gauge IV catheters without causing an extravasation (leakage into surrounding tissue).
Number of Heads: Dual-head injectors (e.g., Medrad Stellant D) can inject both contrast and saline. The saline flush pushes the contrast bolus through the heart and reduces the total contrast dose, which is safer for the patient's kidneys and also reduces streaking artifacts on the final image.
Programmability: The ability to store and recall protocols saves time and reduces errors. Advanced systems allow for multi-phase injections (e.g., injecting at 5mL/s for 10 seconds, then 3mL/s for 15 seconds), which is critical for complex multiphasic liver or pancreatic studies.
CT Scanner Integration: The ability for the injector to communicate directly with the CT scanner ("scanner interface") automates the injection timing with the scan acquisition, ensuring perfect synchronisation and optimal image quality.
Specs that change outcomes:
A standard CT contrast injector installation in Nigeria takes 1-2 days and costs between NGN 300,000 and NGN 750,000, depending on location and complexity. This fee should be part of a turnkey package. The process begins with a site readiness assessment to ensure stable power and correct positioning relative to the CT gantry. The vendor's certified engineer will then physically install the unit, connect it to the dedicated UPS, perform software setup, and integrate it with the CT scanner if applicable. The most critical step is the on-site calibration, where the engineer uses certified tools (a calibrated scale and stopwatch or a flow analyser) to verify that the injector delivers the exact volume and flow rate selected. This must be documented in a calibration certificate. The process concludes with comprehensive training for your radiographers and biomedical staff.
Franance manages the entire turnkey installation process, from site inspection to final sign-off, ensuring your CT contrast injector is installed and calibrated to OEM standards by a certified engineer.
Delivery time for a new CT contrast injector to your facility in Nigeria is typically 8-14 weeks from payment confirmation. This includes 2-4 weeks for factory production, 4-6 weeks for international air or sea freight, and 2-4 weeks for customs clearance and local delivery. The total landed cost includes not just the equipment price but also international freight, insurance, port charges, customs duties (typically 5-10%), and local haulage. These logistics costs can add 15-25% to the ex-factory price. You must ensure your supplier has experience navigating the Nigerian Customs Service and has the necessary permits, like the Form M and PAAR, processed correctly to avoid costly delays at the port.
A standard warranty for a new CT contrast injector in Nigeria is 12 months, covering parts and labour. For refurbished units, it's typically 6 months. The most important factor is not the length, but the Service Level Agreement (SLA) that defines the local engineer's response time. Insist on a written SLA that guarantees an engineer on-site within 24-48 hours for major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and 72 hours for other locations. A vendor's warranty is only as good as their local engineering team and their local stock of spare parts. An OEM-backed warranty ensures access to genuine parts and technical support, which is superior to a simple dealer warranty.
Professionally refurbished CT contrast injectors in Nigeria cost between NGN 6 million and NGN 18 million, offering a 40-60% savings compared to new. These units are typically sourced from facilities in the US or Europe, and the quality depends entirely on the refurbishment process. A top-grade refurbishment involves a complete teardown, replacement of all wearable parts (seals, belts, batteries), software updates, and a full calibration to OEM specifications. Lower-grade "refurbished" units may only be cleaned and tested, carrying a higher risk of failure. Always demand a detailed refurbishment report, a recent calibration certificate, and a minimum 6-month warranty from the Nigerian vendor.
To verify an original CT contrast injector, you must validate the serial number directly with the manufacturer (e.g., Bayer for Medrad) and buy only from an OEM-authorized distributor in Nigeria. Red flags for fakes or grey-market units include an unusually low price, missing documentation, tampered serial number plates, and a supplier who cannot provide an official Letter of Authorization from the OEM. Counterfeit consumables like syringes are also a major risk; they can damage the injector or cause leaks during a procedure. Always check for authentic packaging and branding on all consumables.
The essential accessories and consumables for a CT contrast injector are sterile, single-use syringes (typically 150-200mL), patient tubing with a T-connector, and filling spikes. The ongoing cost of these consumables is a critical part of the total cost of ownership. A single patient kit (syringes and tubing) can cost between NGN 15,000 and NGN 30,000. It is highly strategic to bundle the purchase of your injector with a bulk order of at least 100-200 starter kits. This not only ensures you are operational from day one but also allows you to negotiate a better price on the consumables.
A CT contrast injector requires a stable, dedicated 220-240V / 50Hz power source protected by a 2-3kVA pure sine wave Online UPS. The injector itself consumes relatively little power (300-500W), but its sensitive electronics are highly vulnerable to the voltage spikes, sags, and "dirty" power common in Nigeria. Connecting the injector directly to a wall outlet or a low-quality generator output without a proper UPS will lead to board failure, which is an expensive repair often not covered by warranty. Proper electrical earthing (grounding) is also a non-negotiable safety and operational requirement.
To be compliant in Nigeria, a CT contrast injector must meet standards set by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) through its SONCAP program for imports. While not a radiation-emitting device itself, its use is governed by best practices under the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) as it's integral to a radiological procedure. Furthermore, the consumables (syringes, tubing) must be registered with NAFDAC. Your supplier is responsible for providing the SONCAP certificate for the hardware and ensuring the consumables have NAFDAC numbers. You must keep a dossier containing the purchase documents, calibration certificates, and service history for accreditation and inspection purposes.
Financing options for CT contrast injectors in Nigeria include bank loans, asset leasing, and specialised healthcare financing from partners like Franance. Bank loans typically require 20-30% equity contribution, significant collateral, and have interest rates of 25-30% per annum, with an approval timeline of 2-4 months. Leasing is a faster option (2-4 weeks approval) with less collateral required, where you pay a monthly fee for the use of the equipment over 2-3 years. Franance offers tailored financing solutions with flexible payment terms designed for healthcare facilities, often integrating the cost of the equipment, installation, and service into a single predictable payment plan.
The 5-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a CT contrast injector in Nigeria is typically 1.5 to 2 times its initial purchase price. For a mid-range injector purchased at NGN 20 million, the 5-year TCO could be NGN 30-40 million. This includes the initial capital outlay, plus the ongoing costs of consumables (syringes/tubing), annual preventive maintenance contracts after the warranty expires (NGN 500k - 1.5M per year), potential repairs, and electricity costs for the dedicated UPS. The single biggest driver of TCO is the cost per patient for proprietary consumables; a NGN 5,000 difference in the cost of a syringe kit can add up to over NGN 10 million over five years in a busy centre.
For a high-volume tertiary or teaching hospital, the only suitable option is a new, advanced dual-head injector like the Medrad Stellant D or Guerbet FlowSens. You need a system that can handle a heavy workload of over 30 patients per day and perform complex, multi-phasic protocols for oncology, neurology, and cardiac CT angiography. Key requirements are seamless integration with your 64-slice or higher CT scanner, robust data management, and a comprehensive service contract with a 24-hour engineer response time. Budget NGN 25 - 35 million.
A busy private diagnostic centre needs a reliable and versatile workhorse. The best choice is a new mid-range dual-head injector like the Medrad Salient or Guerbet OptiVantage. This provides the flexibility to handle all routine scans as well as more profitable advanced procedures like CT angiography. It strikes the perfect balance between capability and cost. A high-quality refurbished dual-head Stellant is also an excellent, cost-effective option. Budget NGN 15 - 24 million.
For NGOs or mobile screening projects, durability and power stability are paramount. A robust, pedestal-mounted refurbished single-head injector like the Medrad EnVision CT is often the most practical choice. It is simpler, has fewer failure points, and is more tolerant of the rigours of transport. The system must be paired with a high-capacity online UPS and a reliable power generator. Simplicity of use is also key for training field staff quickly. Budget NGN 8 - 14 million for a complete, ruggedized setup.
In an emergency setting, speed and ease of use are critical. A simple, reliable single-head injector with pre-programmable protocols for common trauma scans (e.g., CTA for bleeds) is ideal. The interface should be intuitive for quick setup by staff under pressure. A battery-powered or easily mobile unit can be advantageous if it needs to be moved between a trauma bay CT and a main department scanner. Reliability is non-negotiable, so a new, basic model is often preferred over a complex refurbished one. Budget NGN 12 - 18 million.
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A new dual-head CT contrast injector costs between NGN 18 million and NGN 35 million. For example, a Medrad Stellant D, known for its reliability in high-volume centres in Lagos, is priced at the higher end. A Nemoto Dual Shot Alpha 7 offers similar functionality and typically falls in the NGN 20-28 million range. This price usually includes a one-year warranty and basic installation, but not consumables like syringes.
You can buy CT contrast injectors from authorized medical equipment suppliers in Lagos and Abuja. Reputable vendors like JNC International or DCL Laboratory Products are official distributors for brands like Medrad and Bracco. Always verify their authorization certificate from the manufacturer to avoid grey market imports. Ask for a list of their existing installations in Nigerian hospitals as proof of their experience and support capabilities.
Most CT injectors require a stable 220-240V, 50Hz single-phase power supply, protected by a dedicated circuit breaker. For a model like the Bracco CT Exprès, you must connect it to a UPS with at least 1.5kVA capacity to protect against power fluctuations common in Nigeria. This prevents scan interruption and damage to the injector's sensitive electronics. Your site preparation must include this dedicated, conditioned power line before installation.
Yes, a professionally refurbished injector is a cost-effective option, often costing 40-60% less than a new one. A refurbished Medrad Stellant from a certified vendor can cost NGN 9-15 million and perform reliably for years. Ensure the supplier provides at least a six-month warranty, proof of component replacement, and performance calibration certificates. This is a practical choice for clinics in cities like Port Harcourt or Kano starting their CT services.
You can finance a CT injector through asset financing from Nigerian banks or specialized healthcare financing companies like Franance. Franance offers lease-to-own options specifically for medical equipment, allowing you to pay in installments over 24-48 months. This preserves your capital for operational costs. For a NGN 25 million Nemoto injector, this means a manageable monthly payment instead of a large upfront expenditure, making advanced technology accessible.
A dual-head injector can inject both contrast media and saline, while a single-head injector only handles contrast. The dual-head design, found in models like the Medrad Stellant D, uses a saline flush to push the contrast bolus, improving image quality and reducing contrast volume. For advanced procedures like cardiac CT angiography, a dual-head injector is essential. A single-head unit is sufficient for routine body scans.
The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) requires that the CT facility, not the injector itself, be licensed. During your facility's radiation safety assessment, NNRA inspectors will verify that your staff is trained on the injector's safe operation as part of the overall CT procedure. You must document this training and have protocols for managing contrast extravasation. The injector's serial number and model will be listed in your facility's equipment inventory for the NNRA.
A CT injector must undergo performance verification and calibration annually by a qualified biomedical engineer. This service, often part of a maintenance contract, ensures the displayed flow rate and volume match the actual delivered amount, which is critical for patient safety and diagnostic accuracy. For a Bracco EmpowerCTA+ injector, this involves checking pressure limits, flow accuracy, and volume delivery using a calibrated measurement tool. Document every calibration for regulatory audits.
First, immediately pause the injection and disconnect from the patient to ensure safety. The 'air in line' error on a Medrad Stellant is often caused by improperly primed syringes or loose connections. Expel any visible air from the syringe and tubing by running the prime function again. Re-check that the Luer-lock connections are tight. If the error persists after re-priming, you may have a faulty air detection sensor, which requires a service engineer to diagnose and replace.
Physical installation and setup of a CT injector typically takes 4-6 hours, assuming the site is prepared. For a new Nemoto Dual Shot Alpha 7, the engineer will mount the head, connect it to the control unit, and perform initial power-on tests. The full process, including configuration with your CT scanner's protocol and mandatory applications training for your radiographers, takes about two full days. This ensures your team is competent before the first patient use.
Medrad injectors, particularly the Stellant series, are widely regarded as the most durable and reliable for high-throughput hospitals in Nigeria. Their robust build and readily available service support in major cities make them a workhorse. While brands like Bracco and Nemoto offer excellent technology, Medrad's long-standing presence means more engineers are familiar with them, ensuring faster repair times and better access to spare parts, which is crucial for minimizing downtime.
Beyond the purchase price, you must budget for consumables, annual maintenance, and potential repairs. A single patient kit with syringes and tubing for a dual-head injector costs NGN 8,000 - NGN 15,000. An annual service contract can cost 5-8% of the equipment's value (NGN 1-2 million). Also, factor in the cost of a dedicated UPS (NGN 400,000 - NGN 800,000) and staff training, which are essential for long-term operation.
Leasing is better if you want to preserve capital and have a predictable monthly expense that includes maintenance. Buying is better if you have the capital and want to own the asset long-term. A lease through a provider like Franance for a NGN 20 million injector avoids a large cash outlay and often bundles service costs. Buying gives you full equity but makes you responsible for all maintenance and repair costs after the warranty expires.
When buying a used injector, demand a complete service history report to check for recurring faults. Verify the manufacturing date; a unit older than 7-10 years may be difficult to find parts for. Ask the seller to demonstrate it in full operation, testing both heads at various flow rates. For a used Medrad Stellant, specifically check the touch screen for responsiveness and the motor for any unusual noise during plunger movement. Always get a minimum 6-month warranty.
You integrate a new injector by connecting it to the CT scanner via a CAN (Controller Area Network) interface cable. This allows for gantry-side control and synchronized scanning and injection, which is crucial for CTA. The installation engineer for your new Bracco CT Exprès will configure the communication protocol to match your GE Optima's software. This enables features like 'injection-hold' and automatic injection data recording into the patient's DICOM file.
Your radiographers and radiology nurses require specific applications training from the equipment supplier. This 1-2 day training must cover device setup, syringe loading, priming, programming injection protocols, and handling common errors like air embolism and extravasation alerts. For a Nemoto injector, this includes learning the specific menu navigation and safety features. Document this training for each staff member, as it is a key part of your facility's quality assurance and NNRA compliance.
An annual comprehensive service contract for a CT injector costs between NGN 1 million and NGN 2.5 million, depending on the model and supplier. This typically includes one or two preventive maintenance visits per year, all necessary spare parts, and unlimited emergency call-outs. For a high-use Medrad Stellant in a busy Abuja diagnostic centre, a comprehensive contract is essential to guarantee uptime and avoid unexpected high repair bills for components like a motor or mainboard.
Yes, affordable options include refurbished single-head injectors or new models from emerging brands. A refurbished single-head Medrad EnVision CT can be acquired for NGN 6-9 million and is perfect for routine contrast-enhanced scans. It's a reliable, budget-friendly choice for a new diagnostic centre that doesn't yet perform complex cardiac or multiphasic studies. Always buy from a reputable vendor who can provide post-sales support.
Yes, you need a SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) certificate to import a new or used CT contrast injector. The process must be initiated in the country of export before shipping. Your supplier or a registered import agent will submit the product's technical file and inspection report to a SON-accredited firm to get the Product Certificate and SONCAP Certificate. Without this, the equipment will not be cleared by Nigerian Customs at the port.
For a dual-head injector like the Medrad Stellant D, you need a specific patient kit for each procedure. This kit typically contains two 200ml syringes (one for contrast, one for saline), a Y-shaped patient line with a check valve to prevent backflow, and a long spike for drawing contrast from the bottle. Using manufacturer-approved consumables is critical to prevent leaks and ensure accurate delivery, as generic syringes may not fit or withstand the pressure.
Preventive maintenance (PM) should be done annually by a trained engineer. The process includes a thorough cleaning of the injector head and console, inspection of cables for wear, and lubrication of the ram drive mechanism. The engineer will then run diagnostic software to check for error logs and perform a full calibration of volume delivery and pressure sensing using specialized test equipment. This ensures the Medrad or Nemoto injector operates safely and accurately.
Pressure limit alarms are most often caused by a small-bore IV cannula (e.g., 22G or smaller), a kink in the IV line, or venous occlusion. Before blaming the injector, check the entire fluid path from the syringe to the patient's vein. Ensure you are using an 18G or 20G cannula for high-rate injections (above 3 ml/s). If the line is clear, the programmed pressure limit on the Bracco CT Exprès may be set too low for the contrast viscosity.
Yes, you can use any brand of CT contrast media, provided its viscosity is within the operational range specified by the injector's manufacturer. However, for injectors with pre-filled syringe options, like some Bracco models, you are limited to their specific pre-filled products. When using bottled contrast, ensure your radiographers are trained to draw it hygienically to prevent contamination. Always check the injector's manual for any viscosity-related flow rate limitations.
A well-maintained CT contrast injector from a top brand like Medrad or Bracco has a typical lifespan of 7 to 10 years in a busy Nigerian hospital. Regular preventive maintenance and use of manufacturer-approved consumables are key to longevity. After 10 years, sourcing spare parts like circuit boards or motor assemblies can become difficult and costly, making replacement a more practical option than continued repair.
When comparing injectors, focus on four key specifications: maximum flow rate (ml/s), maximum pressure (psi), syringe capacity (ml), and programmability. A model like the Nemoto Dual Shot Alpha 7 offers flow rates up to 10 ml/s and 350 psi, suitable for all advanced applications. Also, compare the user interface for ease of use and the ability to store and recall protocols, which saves time in a busy department.
Choose a supplier with a dedicated, in-country service team and a local stock of spare parts. Ask for references from at least three other hospitals in Nigeria using their equipment. A reliable supplier, like the authorized distributor for Medrad, will offer comprehensive training and have factory-certified engineers. Avoid suppliers who cannot provide a clear service level agreement (SLA) defining response times for equipment breakdown.
If the injector fails mid-scan, the radiographer must immediately abort the injection from the console and attend to the patient. The scan will likely be non-diagnostic and must be rescheduled. You should then call your service engineer and provide the specific error code displayed on the injector's screen, for example, 'Motor Stall Error' on a Medrad Stellant. Do not attempt to use the device until it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician.
Yes, CT contrast injectors are classified as medical devices and require registration with NAFDAC before they can be imported, sold, or used in Nigeria. Your supplier is responsible for this process. When purchasing, ask for a copy of the NAFDAC registration certificate for the specific model, like a Bracco EmpowerCTA+. This ensures the device has been vetted for safety and quality standards, protecting both your facility and your patients.
Site preparation involves ensuring you have a dedicated, stable electrical outlet connected to a UPS within 1.5 meters of the CT gantry. The injector head is typically mounted on the ceiling or a mobile stand, so you must confirm there is adequate space. For ceiling-mounted systems like some Medrad models, the supplier will need to assess the structural integrity of your ceiling. The control console also needs a designated space in the operator's room.
No, a CT contrast injector cannot be used for MRI procedures because it is not designed to be non-ferromagnetic. Bringing a standard CT injector into the MRI scan room (Zone IV) is extremely dangerous as the powerful magnetic field will turn it into a projectile. You must use a specifically designed, MR-conditional injector, such as the Medrad Spectris Solaris EP, which is built with non-magnetic components and RF shielding to operate safely in the MRI environment.