AXREM Report Reveals Older Imaging Equipment in UK

A new report released by the UK-based Imaging association AXREM shows that a large proportion of diagnostic imaging equipment in the UK is more than five years old.

The report was based on a survey of AXREM member organizations, and revealed that 12% of the Computed Tomography (CT) scanners in the UK are more than 10 years old, while another 55% are more than five years old.

According to the Association of Healthcare Technology Providers for Imaging, Radiotherapy & Care (AXREM; Oxford, UK) the large proportion older equipment contradicts the rules laid down by the European imaging and therapy equipment manufacturers trade organization called COCIR.

The report also cites research carried out by the UK Clinical Imaging Board which shows that 29% of Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanners in the UK are older than 10 years, and another 56% are older than five years. According to the ‘Golden Rules’ agreed by COCIR, 60% or more of the installed equipment base should be less than five years old; 30% or less of installed equipment should be between six and ten years old; and 10% or less should be more than ten years old.

The AXREM report also states, "Increasingly, rapid incremental innovation offers benefits for a growing and ageing population. However, there is a serious lag in implementation. If we want societal benefits for all patients equally, then all stakeholders must urgently address this delay. AXREM calls upon healthcare providers to focus on dose reduction and optimization when replacing ageing equipment in order to enhance patient safety."

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