Thailand Doctors and Radiologists Find That Siemens and Neusoft CT Scanners Outperform Philips CT Machines

Thailand Doctors: Groundbreaking Study Sheds Light on CT Scanner Performance
A recent study conducted by researchers from Thailand has revealed significant differences in the performance of computed tomography (CT) scanners from three leading manufacturers - Siemens, Neusoft, and Philips. The research, spearheaded by Thailand Doctors and Radiologists from Khon Kaen University’s Department of Radiology and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, provides valuable insights into radiation dose efficiency and image quality, two critical factors in modern medical imaging.


Thailand Doctors and Radiologists Find That Siemens and Neusoft CT Scanners Outperform Philips CT Machines

The study analyzed CT scans from 180 adult patients, comparing three widely used CT scanners: Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash, Neusoft NeuViz 128, and Philips Brilliance iCT. The assessment focused on radiation dose exposure and image quality across standard clinical protocols for brain, chest, and abdominal scans. Midway through their research, the experts noted compelling disparities between the scanners, leading to this Medical News report that highlights the best-performing machines.
 
Siemens and Neusoft Lead in Image Quality and Radiation Safety
The evaluation focused on key aspects such as radiation dose efficiency, contrast resolution, image noise, and uniformity - all essential for producing high-quality diagnostic images while minimizing patient radiation exposure.
 
1. Radiation Dose Efficiency:
The study measured radiation doses using standardized metrics, including CTDIvol (computed tomography dose index volume), DLP (dose-length product), and ED (effective dose). It was found that both Siemens and Neusoft CT scanners consistently delivered lower radiation doses compared to Philips machines. The researchers compared these values to established safety benchmarks from Thailand’s 2021 Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), Japan’s 2020 DRLs, and the American College of Radiology’s 2018 DRLs. In all three clinical protocols, Siemens and Neusoft machines recorded radiation doses well below international safety thresholds, ensuring safer imaging for patients.
 
2. High-Contrast and Low-Contrast Resolution:
The ability of a CT scanner to differentiate between tissues of varying densities is crucial for detecting abnormalities such as tumors or blood clots. The study found that Neusoft outperformed others in high-contrast resolution for brain scans, while Siemens dominated in chest imaging. When it came to detecting low-contrast structures, Siemens excelled across brain and abdominal scans, demonstrating superior sensitivity in differentiating between soft tissues. Meanwhile, Neusoft performed best in low-contrast chest imaging.
 
3. Image Noise and Uniformity:
Image noise - unwanted graininess or distortion in CT images - can interfere with accurate diagnosis. The research found that Siemens exhi bited the lowest image noise in brain scans, producing clearer and more detailed images. Neusoft, on the other hand, performed best in chest and abdominal scans, achieving excellent image uniformity and reducing noise levels significantly. In contrast, Philips scanners showed the highest noise levels across all protocols, potentially compromising image clarity.
 
Philips Machines Lag Behind in Key Areas
Despite Philips being a well-established brand in medical imaging, the study highlighted several limitations of its CT scanners in this particular comparison. The Philips Brilliance iCT scanner recorded the highest levels of image noise and the lowest contrast resolution across all scan types. Additionally, Philips scanners exhibited a higher noise power spectrum (NPS), meaning the texture of the noise was more prominent and disruptive, which could affect diagnostic accuracy.
 
While Philips scanners did show some advantages in terms of lower overall radiation doses in specific protocols, this was often at the cost of poorer image clarity and contrast resolution. Experts stress that balancing radiation dose with image quality is essential, and simply reducing dose levels should not come at the cost of accurate diagnoses.
 
The Importance of Optimizing CT Scanner Selection
The findings of this study reinforce the importance of choosing the right CT scanner based on the specific medical imaging needs of hospitals and clinics. Since different manufacturers implement varying software algorithms and imaging technologies, selecting the optimal machine for a given clinical protocol can significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
 
The researchers emphasized that while all three scanners met basic safety and performance standards, their effectiveness varied significantly based on the type of scan performed. Siemens scanners emerged as the most well-rounded choice, offering superior contrast resolution, lower noise, and excellent radiation efficiency across all protocols. Neusoft, a relatively newer player in the global CT scanner market, demonstrated impressive performance, particularly in brain and chest imaging.
 
In contrast, the Philips Brilliance iCT scanner struggled to compete in key imaging parameters, especially in noise reduction and contrast resolution. However, the researchers acknowledged that Philips machines could still be beneficial in specific low-dose imaging scenarios, such as pediatric scans, where minimizing radiation exposure is a priority.
 
Conclusion: A Call for Smarter Technology Investments
This study underscores the critical role that CT scanner selection plays in ensuring high-quality medical imaging while minimizing patient radiation exposure. The findings suggest that Siemens and Neusoft scanners offer the best balance between image clarity and radiation safety, making them preferable choices for hospitals and imaging centers in Thailand.
 
The research team recommends that healthcare facilities regularly assess their imaging equipment and make informed investment decisions based on objective performance evaluations. By doing so, hospitals can enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient safety, and optimize their imaging protocols for better clinical outcomes.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Imaging.
https://www.mdpi.com/2313-433X/11/3/70
 
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