GE BrightSpeed Elite 16-Slice CT

BrightSpeed Elite CT Highlights & Benefits

The GE BrightSpeed Elite 16 combines high X-ray output, fast acquisition, and detailed anatomical imaging in a compact system. Its higher-capacity tube and broader available clinical applications distinguish it from the lower-powered BrightSpeed Elite Select.

Key BrightSpeed Elite Capabilities

• • 16-slice CT acquisition: Captures 16 slices per rotation, with thin sections as small as 0.625 mm for detailed anatomical imaging.
  • 6.3 MHU Performix X-ray tube: Stores heat generated during scanning, helping support repeated examinations with fewer potential cooling delays.
  • 53 kW generator: Provides X-ray power for demanding protocols, with tube current up to 440 mA.
  • 0.5-second gantry rotation: Supports faster scanning and shorter breath-hold requirements.
  • 70 cm (27.6 in) gantry opening: Provides access for routine head-to-body imaging and patient positioning.
  • Automatic dose management: Adjusts radiation output according to patient anatomy and examination requirements.
  • Advanced imaging options: Available ASiR reconstruction, vascular analysis, and specialty imaging software extend clinical capabilities when installed.

BrightSpeed Elite CT Scanning Speed & Image Detail

HiLight Matrix II Detector for Thin-Slice Detail

The BrightSpeed Elite uses GE’s HiLight Matrix II detector to capture X-ray measurements from multiple positions during each scan.

Its 16-slice acquisition supports thin sections as small as 0.625 mm, helping radiologists evaluate fine anatomical structures in the lungs, bones, blood vessels, and other tissues.

Selectable acquisition settings allow technologists to balance image detail with anatomical coverage, depending on the examination.

0.5-Second Rotation for Faster Scans & Shorter Breath Holds

The GE BrightSpeed Elite completes a full gantry rotation in as little as 0.5 seconds.

During helical scanning, the patient table moves continuously through the rotating X-ray beam, allowing the scanner to capture a larger anatomical region without stopping between rotations.

Faster scanning can shorten breath-hold requirements, help limit motion-related image distortion, and support efficient chest, abdominal, and vascular examinations.

Available IQ Enhance technology increases scanning coverage speed through specialized acquisition and processing. Although it can provide coverage speeds comparable to certain higher-slice systems, the BrightSpeed Elite remains a 16-slice CT scanner.

Multiple Image Reconstructions from a Single CT Scan

The BrightSpeed Elite supports reconstruction and transfer speeds of up to 16 images per second in documented configurations.

GE’s multiple-reconstruction technology can generate different image sets from a single acquisition. For example, the same scan can produce thin sections for detailed anatomical review and thicker sections for routine interpretation.

Multiplanar reconstruction allows clinicians to review anatomy from different directions, including front-to-back and side views, without repeating the scan.

These tools help streamline image review and reduce the need for additional acquisitions solely to obtain different image thicknesses or viewing planes.

BrightSpeed Elite Image Quality & Dose Management

Volara Digital Processing for Clearer Images

The BrightSpeed Elite incorporates GE’s Volara digital data acquisition technology, which processes information collected by the detector into data used to reconstruct CT images.

This technology helps reduce electronic noise, preserving image detail across different anatomical regions and patient sizes.

GE’s reconstruction technologies further support detailed images while reducing certain artifacts, or image distortions, that can occur during CT scanning.

Automatic Exposure & Patient-Specific Dose Control

The BrightSpeed Elite supports three-dimensional tube-current modulation, which automatically adjusts X-ray output according to patient anatomy and the selected image-quality target.

Instead of using the same radiation output throughout an examination, the scanner adjusts exposure as it rotates around the patient and moves through different body regions.

Additional dose-management features include scan-dose reporting and patient-specific protocols, including pediatric examination settings.

Optional ASiR Reconstruction for Dose Reduction

Some BrightSpeed Elite configurations support Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASiR), GE’s image-processing technology designed to reduce image noise while preserving diagnostic detail.

ASiR can support lower-dose imaging by allowing technologists to use reduced X-ray exposure while maintaining appropriate image quality.

GE documented potential dose reductions of up to 40% under specific conditions. Actual results depend on patient size, examination type, and selected protocols.

ASiR availability depends on the installed hardware and software configuration.

BrightSpeed Elite Patient Access & CT Workflow

70 cm Gantry Opening & Patient Access

The BrightSpeed Elite features a 70 cm (27.6 in) gantry opening and a maximum scan field of view of 50 cm (19.7 in), defining the largest anatomical area captured within an image.

The gantry supports tilt adjustments up to 30 degrees in either direction, providing flexibility for head imaging and other positioning requirements.

Patient alignment lights, gantry controls, and breathing instructions help technologists prepare examinations and maintain consistent patient positioning.

Patient Table Capacity & Scanning Range

Documented BrightSpeed Elite configurations provide up to 170 cm (66.9 in) of horizontal table travel for examinations covering larger anatomical regions.

Standard configurations support patients up to 400 lb (181 kg), with higher-capacity tables available on certain systems, including options up to 500 lb (227 kg).

Actual weight capacity, positioning accuracy, and table travel depend on the installed configuration.

Exam Protocols & Contrast Timing

The BrightSpeed Elite includes programmable examination protocols that help technologists select appropriate scanning parameters for different body regions and clinical applications.

Available SmartPrep technology monitors the arrival of contrast material within a selected region, helping time scans when blood vessels or tissues need to be evaluated after contrast administration.

Compatible console configurations also support automated image processing, examination management, and image transfer to connected systems.

Clinical Environments & Applications

The GE BrightSpeed Elite 16 supports routine diagnostic CT and selected advanced imaging applications. Its fast acquisition, higher-capacity X-ray tube, and configurable software make it well suited to facilities performing a mix of routine and more demanding examinations.

Clinical Environments

Hospitals and diagnostic imaging departments

• • Outpatient imaging centers
  • Emergency departments and trauma services
  • Multispecialty medical practices
  • Specialty diagnostic and surgical facilities
  • Oncology and cancer care centers
  • Veterinary hospitals and specialty referral centers

Clinical Specialties

• • Radiology: Routine head, chest, abdominal, pelvic, and spine examinations.
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery: Brain, skull, and spine imaging, including neurological abnormalities and injuries.
  • Orthopedics: Fractures, joints, bone anatomy, and surgical planning.
  • Oncology: Tumor evaluation, disease staging, treatment planning, and follow-up imaging.
  • Pulmonology: Lung nodules, pulmonary disease, and detailed chest imaging.
  • Cardiology: Coronary calcium scoring and selected cardiac examinations with compatible software and equipment.
  • Vascular Medicine: CT angiography and vascular evaluation with appropriate contrast protocols.
  • Urology: Kidney stones, renal abnormalities, and urinary tract imaging.
  • Gastroenterology: Abdominal and pelvic assessment, including CT colonography when equipped.
  • Emergency & Trauma Care: Evaluation of acute injuries and urgent medical conditions.
  • Veterinary Medicine: CT imaging of companion animals for nasal disease, orthopedic conditions, lung abnormalities, vascular evaluation, and cancer staging.

Common CT Applications

• • Noncontrast and contrast-enhanced CT
  • Brain, head, and spine examinations
  • Chest, abdomen, and pelvis imaging
  • Musculoskeletal and extremity CT
  • Lung nodule evaluation
  • Renal stone assessment
  • Trauma imaging
  • CT angiography and vascular studies
  • Oncology staging and follow-up
  • Selected cardiac and perfusion examinations when appropriately configured
  • Veterinary head, thoracic, orthopedic, and oncology imaging

BrightSpeed Elite Advanced Imaging Applications

The BrightSpeed Elite supports a range of advanced clinical applications that can extend its use beyond routine diagnostic CT.

These capabilities depend on the installed software licenses, workstation, hardware, and acquisition configuration.

Cardiac & Vascular Imaging

Available cardiac software supports selected electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated studies, which synchronize imaging with the patient’s heartbeat.

Depending on configuration, applications may include coronary calcium scoring and additional cardiac image-review tools.

GE’s Advanced Vessel Analysis software helps clinicians visualize, measure, and assess blood vessels for selected vascular examinations.

Perfusion, Lung & Oncology Applications

Optional CT perfusion software evaluates changes in contrast enhancement over time to help assess blood flow through selected tissues.

Additional applications can support lung nodule analysis, tumor evaluation, and specialized neurological imaging.

These tools may be useful for oncology, pulmonary, and neurological workflows when included in the installed system.

CT Colonography & 3D Visualization

Optional CT colonography software supports specialized examination of the colon using reconstructed CT images.

Compatible three-dimensional visualization tools allow clinicians to view complex anatomy from multiple perspectives, supporting vascular assessment, orthopedic planning, and selected surgical applications.

BrightSpeed Elite Configurations & Installed Options

Pre-owned GE BrightSpeed Elite 16 CT scanners may vary by production year, X-ray tube history, software version, patient table, workstation, and installed clinical options.

X-Ray Tube & Hardware Configurations

The BrightSpeed Elite’s documented 6.3 million heat unit (MHU) tube capacity indicates how much heat the X-ray tube can store during imaging.

Higher heat storage capacity helps support repeated scanning and demanding protocols before tube cooling becomes necessary.

For pre-owned equipment, X-ray tube age, usage history, system maintenance, and installed hardware all contribute to the equipment’s overall condition and value.

Clinical Software & Workstation Options

• • Available systems may include combinations of:
  • Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASiR)
  • Cardiac acquisition and image-review software
  • Advanced Vessel Analysis
  • CT perfusion applications
  • Advanced Lung Analysis
  • CT Colonography
  • Three-dimensional visualization
  • SmartPrep contrast monitoring
  • Additional dose-management and reconstruction tools

Installed software capabilities are determined by the specific system configuration and licensing.

DICOM Connectivity & Image Management

The BrightSpeed Elite supports Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), the standard used to exchange medical images and related information between compatible systems.

DICOM connectivity enables integration with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), where images are stored and accessed for clinical review.

Available workstation software, image-storage capacity, network interfaces, and licensed applications vary by configuration.

MXR Imaging works with facilities to identify a scanner that aligns with their clinical applications, imaging workload, and existing infrastructure.

BrightSpeed Elite Installation & Site Requirements

The BrightSpeed Elite’s compact design can be beneficial for facilities replacing an older CT scanner or planning an imaging suite with limited space.

The BrightSpeed Elite’s compact design can accommodate CT rooms as small as approximately 198 sq ft (18.4 m²) in compatible configurations.

Actual site planning must account for the gantry, patient table, service clearances, structural support, radiation shielding, electrical service, cooling, ventilation, and patient access.

MXR Imaging offers turnkey imaging project management to help coordinate equipment selection, site preparation, installation, and related project requirements.

BrightSpeed Elite 16 CT Price & Availability

MXR Imaging offers pre-owned GE BrightSpeed Elite 16-slice CT scanners for healthcare facilities seeking established diagnostic imaging performance with access to advanced clinical options.

Pricing depends on system condition, X-ray tube history, software licenses, patient table configuration, accessories, installation requirements, and service coverage.

Eligible systems may also be available through the Platinum Certified CT program, which provides an additional equipment reconditioning and quality-assurance pathway.

Ongoing CT maintenance and repair services are available to support long-term equipment performance.

Contact MXR Imaging to discuss current availability, pricing, and the BrightSpeed Elite configuration best suited to your facility.

GE BrightSpeed Elite 16 CT Specifications

BrightSpeed Elite specifications can vary by production year, installed hardware, patient table, software release, and available options.

CT Acquisition & Detector

• • OEM model: GE BrightSpeed Elite
  • Slice count: 16
  • Detector: GE HiLight Matrix II
  • Acquisition: 16 slices per rotation
  • Minimum acquired slice thickness: 0.625 mm
  • Additional acquisition options: Configuration-dependent
  • Scanning modes: Helical, axial, and scout
  • Fastest gantry rotation: 0.5 seconds
  • Scanning coverage: Depends on selected acquisition mode and available software

Gantry & Patient Table

• • Gantry opening: 70 cm (27.6 in)
  • Maximum scan field of view: 50 cm (19.7 in)
  • Gantry tilt: ±30°
  • Documented table travel: Up to 170 cm (66.9 in)
  • Standard documented patient capacity: 181 kg (400 lb)
  • Higher-capacity table option: Up to 227 kg (500 lb) on certain configurations
  • Patient positioning: Motorized table with gantry-mounted controls

X-Ray Generator & Tube

X-ray tube: GE Performix

• • Tube heat storage: 6.3 MHU
  • Generator output: Approximately 53 kW
  • Tube voltage: 80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp
  • Tube current: 10 to 440 mA
  • Tube-current adjustment: 5 mA increments
  • Tube cooling: Oil/air-based cooling

Image Reconstruction & Performance

• • Reconstruction matrix: 512 × 512
  • Reconstruction and transfer speed: Up to 16 images per second in documented configurations
  • Thin-slice imaging: Down to 0.625 mm
  • Multiplanar reconstruction: Supported
  • Multiple reconstruction sets: Supported
  • Digital acquisition: GE Volara
  • Automatic tube-current modulation: Supported
  • ASiR reconstruction: Available on compatible configurations
  • IQ Enhance: Configuration-dependent

System & Site Requirements

• • Image connectivity: DICOM
  • PACS integration: Supported with compatible network configuration
  • Electrical service: Three-phase, installation-dependent
  • Room dimensions: Site-specific; reference installations from approximately 18.4 m² (198 sq ft)
  • Radiation shielding: Site-specific
  • Cooling and ventilation: Based on installed equipment and room requirements
  • Structural support: Required for gantry, table, and supporting components
  • Installation clearances: Based on GE site-planning requirements