Anti-scatter Grids and CR Cassettes
Installation teams in Lagos, Abuja, PH & Kano
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X-ray grids and cassettes are essential accessories used by radiographers in every X-ray examination to capture and improve the quality of medical images. A cassette is a light-proof case that holds the imaging plate (either a phosphor plate for Computed Radiography - CR, or a digital detector for Direct Radiography - DR). An anti-scatter grid is a thin plate placed between the patient and the cassette; it acts like a filter, absorbing scattered X-ray photons that would otherwise blur the image. Using the right combination of grid and cassette is critical for diagnostic accuracy, directly impacting a clinician's ability to correctly identify fractures, pathologies, and other conditions, while also helping to manage patient radiation dose.
Prices for X-ray grids and cassettes in Nigeria range from NGN 150,000 for a single entry-level CR cassette to over NGN 15 million for a high-end wireless DR detector panel. A standard anti-scatter grid typically costs between NGN 200,000 and NGN 700,000. The final price you pay is driven by the technology (CR vs. DR), brand reputation (e.g., Carestream, Agfa), size, grid specifications (ratio, lines per inch), and material (carbon fiber is more expensive but lighter and more durable than aluminum). Additional costs like freight, customs duties (which can add 15-30% to the cost), installation, and integration with your existing X-ray system must be factored into your total budget. Always demand a quote that itemizes these costs separately.
For a detailed, line-item quote tailored to your facility's needs, contact Franance.
The cheapest options are typically refurbished or basic new CR cassettes, which start from NGN 80,000 - NGN 150,000, and low-ratio aluminum interspaced grids, which can be found for NGN 120,000 - NGN 200,000. These are functional for low-volume clinics with basic imaging needs. However, the lowest price often comes with significant risks, such as a limited 30-90 day warranty (or none at all), higher potential for image artefacts from worn-out phosphor screens, and hidden costs for delivery and integration. Be aware that a "cheap" cassette that produces poor images will cost you more in the long run through repeat exposures (higher patient dose) and misdiagnoses.
Contact Franance to explore safe, budget-friendly options that don't compromise diagnostic quality.
An affordable and high-value purchase involves bundling a set of new, durable CR cassettes in common sizes (e.g., one 14x17" and one 10x12") with a compatible, versatile grid (e.g., 10:1 ratio, 103 LPI) for a total package price of NGN 700,000 - NGN 1.5 million. This approach provides better value than buying individual items and ensures perfect compatibility from the start. Investing in a quality bundle from a reputable brand like Fuji or Carestream significantly reduces the risk of downtime and image quality issues, which can cost your facility over NGN 100,000 per day in lost revenue. A durable cassette and grid combination will last 5-7 years, whereas a cheap alternative might fail within 1-2 years, wiping out any initial savings.
Contact Franance to get a custom, high-value bundle quote for your facility.
New CR cassettes typically range from NGN 150,000 - NGN 400,000, while quality refurbished units cost between NGN 80,000 - NGN 180,000, offering a 40-60% saving. For anti-scatter grids, new ones start at NGN 200,000, with refurbished options available from NGN 120,000. The key difference lies in lifespan, warranty, and image quality assurance. New items come with a full 12-month manufacturer's warranty and a pristine imaging surface, guaranteeing artefact-free images. Refurbished items have a shorter warranty (30-180 days) and carry a small risk of latent screen damage that may not be immediately visible. For high-value DR panels, the price gap is much larger: a new panel might be NGN 12 million, while a refurbished one could be NGN 5-7 million, but the risks associated with battery life and detector sensitivity are significantly higher.
| Feature | New Grids & Cassettes | Refurbished Grids & Cassettes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | NGN 150k - 400k (CR Cassette) | NGN 80k - 180k (CR Cassette) |
| Warranty | 12 months standard | 30-180 days, limited coverage |
| Lifespan | 5-7+ years | 1-4 years, variable |
| Image Quality | Guaranteed artefact-free | High risk of minor artefacts |
| Lead Time | 4-8 weeks if not in-stock | 1-3 weeks, often available locally |
| Support | Full OEM and vendor support | Limited to vendor, no OEM support |
Contact Franance for a comparative quote on both new and certified refurbished options.
Contact Franance today for a fast, transparent, and comprehensive quote on X-ray grids and cassettes tailored to your clinical needs and budget.
You can find suppliers in major commercial hubs like Lagos (specifically in medical equipment markets around Ikeja and Idumota), Abuja, and Port Harcourt, but the most reliable method is to engage established medical equipment distributors with a proven track record. Before committing, you must rigorously verify any potential supplier. Check their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration, confirm they have qualified biomedical engineers on staff, and ask for proof of partnership or authorization from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) like Carestream or Agfa. A credible supplier should readily provide references from other Nigerian hospitals they have supplied. Franance pre-vets all its supply partners through a stringent workflow, ensuring they meet technical, financial, and regulatory standards before they are ever recommended to a client.
Contact Franance to connect with verified, reliable suppliers of X-ray equipment in Nigeria.
Franance is a verified supplier offering a complete service stack for X-ray grids, cassettes, and DR panels across Nigeria, with engineering support available in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. We handle the entire procurement lifecycle, from needs assessment and sourcing genuine products to logistics, installation, and after-sales support, ensuring you get the right equipment without the risk. Our process guarantees OEM-certified products, transparent pricing, and compliance with all Nigerian regulatory bodies like NNRA and SON.
The best X-ray grids and cassettes are those that match your facility's specific clinical needs, patient volume, and budget. For top-tier performance, options like Carestream's DRX Plus wireless detectors (NGN 10M - NGN 18M) offer exceptional image quality and workflow efficiency. For facilities using CR systems, Agfa's Musica CR cassettes (NGN 250k - NGN 450k) combined with a high-ratio (10:1 or 12:1) carbon fiber grid from a brand like Claymount provides a superb balance of quality and cost.
Entry-Tier (Small Clinics): A set of durable, standard-sized CR cassettes from a reliable brand like Fuji or Konica Minolta, paired with a basic 8:1 ratio aluminum grid.
Mid-Tier (General Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers): High-quality CR cassettes (e.g., Agfa Musica) with advanced phosphor technology for better image detail, paired with a 10:1 ratio carbon fiber grid for lower patient dose and improved image contrast.
Advanced-Tier (Teaching Hospitals, Specialist Centers): A wireless, lightweight DR panel (e.g., Carestream DRX Plus, Varex Z-series) for high-throughput areas like ER and ICU, supplemented by CR cassettes for overflow and portable exams.
How to match tier to workload:
Comparing models requires you to assess technology (CR vs. DR), size, grid specifications (ratio, LPI), and material against your facility's workload and budget. A small clinic might compare Fuji and Konica Minolta CR cassettes for durability, while a teaching hospital would compare Carestream and Varex DR panels based on battery life, weight, and software integration capabilities. The right choice balances upfront cost with long-term performance and diagnostic needs.
| Tier | Best for | Key Specs | Lead-time | Maintenance | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (CR) | Low-volume clinics, backup | 14x17" & 10x12" sizes, 8:1 grid ratio | 1-3 weeks | Regular cleaning | None for grid/cassette |
| Mid (High-quality CR) | General hospitals, diagnostics | Advanced phosphor screen, 10:1 carbon fiber grid | 2-4 weeks | Annual QA checks | None for grid/cassette |
| Advanced (DR Panel) | High-volume hospitals, ER, ICU | Wireless, Csl scintillator, <3kg weight, 6-8hr battery | 6-10 weeks | Annual calibration, battery care | Requires dedicated charging dock with stable power (UPS) |
The best brands available and supported in Nigeria are Carestream, Agfa, and Fuji. These OEMs have a long-standing presence, reliable local partners for service, and products known for their durability and excellent image quality. Carestream is a leader in DR technology with its DRX series, offering top-tier performance for high-volume hospitals. Agfa is renowned for its Musica image processing and high-quality CR systems, making it a strong choice for facilities aiming for premium diagnostic images. Fuji is known for producing incredibly durable and reliable CR cassettes that can withstand the demanding environment of a busy Nigerian hospital.
Prices range from NGN 80,000 for a single refurbished CR cassette to over NGN 15 million for a new, high-performance wireless DR panel. A price list should be viewed as a guide, as final costs are heavily influenced by currency exchange rates (USD/EUR to NGN), shipping method (air vs. sea freight), and the specific components included in a quote. For example, a quote for a "DR Panel" might or might not include the acquisition console, charging station, and integration software, which can alter the price by millions of naira. Always ask for a detailed breakdown to understand exactly what you are paying for. Seasonal demand and global supply chain issues can also cause price fluctuations of 5-15% over a few months.
The 5 most decisive specifications that impact clinical outcomes and ownership cost are Technology, Size, Grid Ratio, Lines Per Inch (LPI), and Material.
While grids and cassettes do not require "installation" in the traditional sense, they must be professionally integrated and calibrated with your X-ray system's generator and image processor (CR reader or DR console). This process typically takes 1-2 days and can cost between NGN 50,000 and NGN 200,000, often included in the purchase price from a reputable vendor. The engineer will configure the system's Anatomically Programmed Radiography (APR) settings to match the new grid's specifications and perform quality assurance tests to ensure optimal image quality and accurate radiation dose delivery. Skipping this step can lead to poor-quality images and incorrect dose calculations.
Franance provides turnkey installation and calibration services, ensuring your new X-ray grids and cassettes are perfectly integrated with your existing equipment for optimal performance from day one.
Delivery timelines range from 2-7 working days for in-stock items within Nigeria to 4-8 weeks for special orders imported from Europe, Asia, or North America. The cost varies significantly, from NGN 20,000 for local delivery in Lagos to over NGN 500,000 for international air freight, customs clearance, and insured delivery to a remote location. The process involves securing import permits if required, navigating Nigerian Customs Service procedures (which can be complex and cause delays), and managing secure inland transportation. Using an experienced logistics partner like Franance is critical to avoid costly delays, damage, or seizure of goods at the port.
Standard warranty for new X-ray grids and cassettes in Nigeria is 12 months and covers only manufacturing defects. Crucially, this warranty almost never covers physical damage from being dropped, which is the most common cause of failure. Service options for out-of-warranty repairs are limited and can be expensive. For high-value DR panels, it is vital to clarify the Service Level Agreement (SLA), which should define response times for technical support, availability of loaner units, and the cost of battery replacement. A vendor-provided warranty is only as good as the vendor's ability to honour it; an OEM-backed warranty offers greater security.
Refurbished CR cassettes are widely available and cost between NGN 80,000 and NGN 180,000, offering a viable option for facilities on a tight budget. Quality refurbished grids start around NGN 120,000. It is essential to buy from a reputable vendor who provides a clear refurbishment report and at least a 90-day warranty. Refurbished DR panels are less common and carry higher risk; they start from NGN 2.5 million but may have issues with battery life, dead pixels, or sensor degradation. Always demand a recent test image and a calibration certificate before purchasing a refurbished DR panel.
To verify authenticity, you must buy from an authorized distributor and check for key security features. Original products from brands like Carestream, Agfa, or Fuji will have consistent, high-quality branding, a unique serial number etched or securely labelled on the device, and proper packaging. Red flags for fakes include unusually low prices, flimsy construction, misspelled brand names, and the supplier's inability to provide a letter of authorization from the OEM. You can often validate a serial number by contacting the manufacturer's regional office or the authorized Nigerian partner.
Essential accessories include protective encasements or covers (NGN 25,000 - NGN 80,000), which significantly reduce the risk of damage from drops, and specialized cleaning solutions and wipes to maintain the integrity of the imaging plates. For DR panels, additional batteries and multi-bay charging stations are critical for maintaining uptime in a busy department. It is most cost-effective to bundle these accessories with the main unit purchase to ensure compatibility and potentially receive a package discount. Waiting to buy them later often results in higher individual prices and shipping costs.
X-ray grids and conventional CR cassettes are passive devices and require no power. However, the systems they interface with—CR readers and DR panels—are extremely sensitive to Nigeria's unstable power grid. A DR panel's charging station and the entire CR reader must be protected by a dedicated, appropriately rated online UPS (minimum 2-5kVA). Failure to provide clean, stable power will lead to system errors, data corruption, and premature failure of electronic components, voiding the manufacturer's warranty. Proper electrical earthing (grounding) for the entire X-ray room is also a non-negotiable safety and performance requirement.
Compliance for X-ray grids and cassettes means ensuring they are used as part of a complete X-ray facility that is licensed by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). While the cassettes and grids themselves don't require individual licenses, the X-ray machine they are used with must have a valid NNRA license to import and license to operate. Additionally, as medical devices, they should meet the standards set by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and be registered with NAFDAC if they are part of a full system import. Your supplier should be able to provide documentation (like a CE mark or FDA approval) that helps satisfy these requirements.
For individual cassettes or grids, financing is typically done via the facility's operational budget. For high-value purchases like a DR panel (NGN 4M+) or a complete CR system upgrade, financing options are available. These include traditional bank loans from institutions like Sterling Bank or Access Bank, which often require significant collateral and have interest rates of 22-30% per annum. A more flexible option is leasing through specialized medical equipment financiers or suppliers like Franance, which can offer tailored payment plans over 12-36 months. NGO funding cycles can also be aligned with procurement, but this requires early planning.
The 3-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a set of two high-quality CR cassettes and a grid goes beyond the initial purchase price of approximately NGN 1.2 million. You must account for the high probability of one cassette being damaged or dropped within that period (replacement cost: ~NGN 250,000), annual quality assurance checks (NGN 50,000 x 3 = NGN 150,000), and consumables like cleaning supplies. This brings the realistic 3-year TCO to around NGN 1.6 million. For a DR panel, the TCO is much higher, factoring in the initial cost (e.g., NGN 12M), a potential battery replacement after 2-3 years (NGN 500,000 - NGN 1M), and an annual service contract (NGN 300,000 - NGN 600,000).
High-volume teaching hospitals require a robust and flexible inventory, including multiple wireless DR panels (e.g., Carestream DRX Plus) for high-throughput areas like A&E, ICU, and main X-ray rooms to maximize efficiency. This should be supplemented by a fleet of high-quality CR cassettes (e.g., Agfa Musica) in various sizes, including specialized long-length and mammography cassettes, to handle overflow and diverse examination types. A range of grids with different ratios (8:1, 10:1, 12:1) is also essential for optimizing image quality across different patient sizes and procedures.
A private diagnostic center or clinic can operate efficiently with a cost-effective yet durable setup. The ideal configuration is a set of 2-3 new CR cassettes from a reliable brand like Fuji or Konica Minolta (sizes 14x17" and 10x12") paired with a single, versatile 10:1 ratio, 103 LPI carbon fiber grid. This combination provides excellent image quality for over 95% of common radiographic exams without the high capital outlay of a full DR system, offering the best return on investment for a moderate patient load.
NGOs and mobile screening programs must prioritize portability, durability, and ease of use. The best solution is a lightweight, ruggedized, battery-powered wireless DR panel. Its ability to provide instant images in field conditions is invaluable for programs like community tuberculosis (TB) screening. If budget is a major constraint, a set of lightweight carbon fiber CR cassettes paired with a portable, laptop-based CR reader is a viable alternative. Durability is paramount, so investing in shock-proof cases is non-negotiable.
In critical care settings like the ER, operating theatre, and ICU, speed and infection control are paramount. The undisputed standard is a wireless DR panel. Its portability allows for seamless bedside imaging, and the instant image display enables immediate clinical decisions. The smooth, sealed surface of a DR panel is also much easier to clean and disinfect between patients compared to a CR cassette, which is a critical advantage in sterile or infectious environments. A dedicated DR panel for these areas dramatically improves patient outcomes and workflow.
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A standard 14x17 inch CR cassette costs between NGN 120,000 and NGN 250,000 in Nigeria. The price depends on the brand, with new Carestream DRX-1 or Agfa CR MD4.0 cassettes at the higher end. Refurbished units are cheaper but you must ensure the imaging plate is not scratched. Always confirm the warranty period, which should be at least 12 months for new units from suppliers in Lagos or Abuja.
An anti-scatter grid in Lagos typically costs from NGN 150,000 to NGN 400,000. A standard 10:1 ratio, 103 LPI grid for a general Bucky tray falls in the lower range. A high-frequency 12:1 ratio, 178 LPI carbon fiber grid from Varex Imaging, used for digital radiography, will be at the upper end of this price range. Ensure the grid's focal range matches your system's Source-to-Image Distance (SID).
Yes, you can finance DR cassettes, also known as DR panels, through medical asset financing companies. For example, a Carestream DRX Plus panel, which can cost over NGN 15 million, is often too expensive for an outright purchase. Companies like Franance offer leasing and loan options, allowing you to spread the cost over 24-48 months. This makes upgrading from CR to DR more accessible for clinics in cities like Port Harcourt.
A basic set of CR cassettes for a small clinic typically costs between NGN 450,000 and NGN 900,000. This set usually includes one 14x17 inch, two 10x12 inch, and one 8x10 inch cassette. Opting for brands like Fuji CR Cassette Type CC can be cost-effective. Buying a full set from a single supplier in Ikeja, Lagos, often results in a better price than purchasing individual units.
You can buy genuine Carestream cassettes from authorized distributors in Nigeria, primarily located in Lagos and Abuja. Companies like JNC International Ltd. are official channels. To verify a supplier, ask for their letter of authorization from Carestream. Buying from unauthorized dealers on platforms like Jiji risks getting refurbished or counterfeit products which produce poor quality images and have no warranty.
Verify a supplier by requesting their business registration with the CAC and proof of past sales to reputable hospitals like the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Ask for the grid's specific model number, like a Varex Imaging 2151G, and check its specifications online. A credible supplier will provide a warranty and offer installation support, unlike informal sellers who cannot guarantee product authenticity or performance.
The most common X-ray cassette sizes used in Nigerian hospitals are 14x17 inches (35x43 cm) for chest and abdomen, 10x12 inches (24x30 cm) for skull and extremities, and 8x10 inches (18x24 cm) for pediatric or small extremity work. Most facilities, from general hospitals in Kano to private clinics in Abuja, stock these three sizes to cover over 90% of routine radiographic procedures.
A grid ratio of 10:1 is the best all-around choice for a general radiography room using over 90 kVp. This ratio provides a good balance between scatter cleanup and patient dose. For example, a stationary 10:1 ratio, 103 LPI grid is effective for chest and abdominal X-rays on a GE Proteus XR/a system. For dedicated mammography or pediatric units, lower ratios like 5:1 are used to minimize radiation dose.
You should buy new cassettes if your budget allows, as they come with a full manufacturer's warranty and a pristine imaging plate. A new Agfa CR MD4.0 cassette guarantees artifact-free images for at least 3-5 years. Refurbished cassettes, costing 40-60% less, are a viable option for low-budget clinics. However, you must inspect the imaging plate for scratches and get at least a 6-month warranty from the Nigerian supplier.
Carestream cassettes, like the DRX-1, are often preferred for their durability, making them suitable for high-patient-load environments found in Lagos teaching hospitals. Agfa CR MD4.0 cassettes are also excellent, known for their image quality. Your choice should primarily depend on the brand of your CR reader, as using matched cassettes and readers, like an Agfa CR 30-X with Agfa cassettes, ensures optimal performance and image consistency.
You are seeing grid lines because of a mismatch between the grid and the Bucky, incorrect grid orientation, or a damaged grid. This is common when a stationary grid is used in a Bucky designed for a moving grid. Ensure the grid's lines run parallel to the anode-cathode axis of the X-ray tube. Also, check if the grid's focal range matches your Source-to-Image Distance (SID), typically 100cm or 180cm.
No, X-ray grids and cassettes themselves do not require individual registration with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). The NNRA's focus is on the radiation-generating equipment, like the X-ray machine. However, the quality and proper functioning of your cassettes and grids are assessed during the NNRA's quality assurance audits of your imaging department to ensure they produce diagnostic-quality images at the correct dose.
You should perform a visual inspection and cleaning of your CR cassettes daily and a full image quality test quarterly. Daily checks involve wiping with an approved disinfectant and checking for cracks. Quarterly, expose each cassette, like a Fuji CR Cassette Type CC, to a flat field radiation source and process the image to check for artifacts, non-uniformity, or ghosting. Documenting these checks is crucial for maintaining consistent image quality.
The typical lifespan of a CR cassette in a high-volume facility, like a general hospital in Abuja, is 3 to 5 years. The imaging plate inside is the most critical component and degrades over time, leading to artifacts. Cassettes from robust brands like Carestream may last longer if handled carefully. Regular cleaning and avoiding drops can extend their useful life, but you should budget for replacement every 4 years to maintain diagnostic quality.
Integrating a new wireless DR cassette (panel), such as an Agfa DR 14s, with an existing analog X-ray machine typically takes 1 to 2 days. The process involves installing the acquisition workstation, connecting it to your network or PACS, and calibrating the panel with your X-ray generator's output. The supplier's engineer will perform the integration, which includes testing and basic training for your radiographers on the new workflow.
The first step is to assess your current X-ray machine's compatibility with a DR panel upgrade. You need to confirm if your generator can interface with a DR system's acquisition console for automatic exposure control (AEC) and exposure synchronization. A qualified medical physicist or an engineer from a supplier in Lagos can perform this assessment. This evaluation determines whether you need a simple retrofit or a more complex generator interface.
Yes, a carbon fiber grid is better because it absorbs less of the primary X-ray beam, allowing you to use a lower patient dose for the same image quality. While more expensive, carbon fiber grids, often used with high-end systems like the Siemens Ysio Max, are more radiolucent than those with aluminum interspacers. This makes them the standard for digital radiography and pediatric imaging where dose reduction is critical.
The upfront cost of a single DR panel is significantly higher, ranging from NGN 12 million to NGN 25 million, compared to a CR cassette at NGN 120,000 to NGN 250,000. However, a DR system eliminates the need for a separate CR reader (which costs NGN 8-15 million) and reduces consumables. The workflow is also much faster, allowing a busy clinic in Port Harcourt to see more patients daily, leading to a faster return on investment.
Do not force it out, as this can damage both the cassette and the Bucky mechanism. First, turn off the power to the table or wall stand. Check for any visible obstructions or misalignments in the tray. Gently try to wiggle the cassette to see if it frees up. If it remains stuck, the release mechanism may be faulty. You will need to call a biomedical engineer; this is a common issue with older GE or Philips Bucky systems.
You should clean cassettes using a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution or an approved medical equipment disinfectant. Never spray liquid directly onto the cassette, as it can seep inside and damage the imaging plate or electronics in a DR panel. For CR cassettes like the Agfa CR MD4.0, pay special attention to the corners where dust accumulates. Always follow the manufacturer's specific cleaning guidelines.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) requires that all medical devices, including X-ray cassettes, meet international standards such as ISO 13485 for quality management. While there isn't a unique SON standard just for cassettes, imported products must have a SONCAP certificate. This ensures they meet basic safety and performance requirements, preventing the import of substandard products that could compromise diagnostic accuracy in Nigerian hospitals.
Yes, old CR cassettes must be disposed of as electronic waste (e-waste) due to the materials in the imaging plate, which can contain barium or europium. You cannot discard them with general waste. Contact a licensed e-waste disposal company in your city, such as E-Terra Technologies in Lagos. They will ensure the components are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally safe manner, compliant with national environmental regulations.
You must match the grid's focal range to your system's typical Source-to-Image Distance (SID). Most focused grids, like a Varex 10:1 ratio grid, specify a focal range, for example, 34-44 inches (86-112 cm) for table Bucky work or 60-72 inches (152-183 cm) for chest X-rays. Using a grid outside its specified focal range will cause 'grid cut-off,' where the edges of your image appear underexposed.
Artifacts on CR images are most commonly caused by dust on the imaging plate, scratches on the plate's surface, or 'ghosting' from a previous overexposure. Dust appears as small white spots, while scratches look like clear white lines. To fix this, open the cassette in a clean, dark environment and clean the plate with an approved screen cleaner and a lint-free cloth. If scratches are deep, the plate inside the cassette needs replacement.
The key difference is the visibility of grid lines on the image. LPI stands for Lines Per Inch. A higher LPI grid, like 178 LPI, has thinner, more numerous grid lines that are less likely to be visible on high-resolution digital images. A 103 LPI grid is standard for CR systems but may produce visible lines on some DR detectors. For a high-resolution DR system like a Siemens Multix Impact, a 178 LPI or 215 LPI grid is recommended.
No, you typically cannot buy individual components like grids and cassettes directly from large manufacturers like GE, Siemens, or Philips in Nigeria. They sell complete imaging systems. You must purchase these parts through their accredited local distributors or specialized medical equipment suppliers in Lagos or Abuja. These suppliers stock OEM parts and can ensure you get the correct grid or cassette compatible with your specific X-ray model.
When choosing a supplier in Kano, prioritize one with a physical office, technical support staff, and a stock of inventory. Ask for references from other healthcare facilities in the region, such as Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. A reliable supplier should offer at least a 12-month warranty on new cassettes like the Carestream DRX-1 and provide after-sales support, which is crucial for troubleshooting and maintenance in a location far from major import hubs like Lagos.
To find the most affordable X-ray grids in Abuja, get quotes from multiple medical equipment suppliers located in the Garki and Wuse districts. While no single place is always 'cheapest,' comparing prices from at least three verified vendors often yields the best deal. Be wary of unusually low prices, as they might indicate a grey market or refurbished product sold as new. Always balance cost with the supplier's reputation and the warranty offered.
For bulk purchases, the best suppliers are major, established distributors who import directly, such as JNC International Ltd., MeCure, or local partners of GE and Philips. These companies can offer volume discounts and ensure a consistent supply of genuine products like Agfa or Carestream cassettes. Engaging them directly for an order of 20+ cassettes for a new hospital wing can result in savings of 10-15% compared to buying from smaller resellers.
A typical tabletop CR reader, like the Agfa CR 15-X or Carestream Vita Flex, requires a standard 220-240V, 50Hz single-phase power supply. It is crucial to connect it to a dedicated power outlet with a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) of at least 1.5 kVA. This protects the sensitive electronics from power fluctuations and surges from the grid, which are common in Nigeria and can damage the reader's laser or scanning mechanism.