C-Arm Scanner Buyer's FAQ

A new full-size C-arm ranges from $120,000 to over $350,000 depending on detector tech. Refurbished C-arm systems from Intel Imaging typically cost between $35,000 and $110,000, allowing surgical centers and clinics to save 50-70% while maintaining identical clinical efficacy, pristine image quality, and robust warranty coverage.

Beyond the purchase price, mobile C-arms have lower structural site-planning costs than fixed rooms. Ongoing costs include annual preventative maintenance, battery pack replacements, consumable parts (like X-ray tubes), and technical support agreements, which can be managed under a custom SLA contract.

Intel Imaging provides flexible capital leases, structured rentals, and customized payment plans to align with your facility's specific clinical volume and cash-flow. This allows private practices and surgical centers to acquire advanced fluoroscopy equipment with minimal upfront capital expenditure.

Mini C-arms are compact, highly agile systems specifically designed for scanning extremities (hands, wrists, feet, ankles) and are popular in orthopedic clinics. Full-size C-arms offer larger gantries, higher generator power, and broader scanning coverage, making them the standard choice for general surgery, pain management, vascular procedures, and urology.

Image Intensifiers (II) use analog vacuum tube technology, which is highly reliable and cost-effective but can degrade over time. Flat Panel Detectors (FPD) utilize modern digital sensor technology, providing consistently crisp, distortion-free images, a wider dynamic range, a thinner physical profile, and significantly better low-dose radiation efficiency.

Look for pulsed fluoroscopy (which drastically lowers overall exposure compared to continuous fluoro), virtual collimation (allowing you to position shutters without active radiation), laser targeting guides, and integrated dose reporting software to meet standard radiation safety safety protocols.

Mobile C-arms do not require dedicated, fixed lead-shielded rooms. However, they must be operated in surgical or procedural suites where staff can maintain a safe distance or use mobile lead barriers and personal protective equipment (such as lead aprons, thyroid collars, and lead glasses) to comply with local radiation safety regulations.

Since mobile C-arms are self-contained systems on wheels, the physical installation and setup can be completed within 1 to 2 days once delivered. The lead time—which includes our strict refurbishment process, testing, and shipping—usually ranges from 2 to 4 weeks depending on system availability.

Intel Imaging provides a comprehensive 1-year warranty on all refurbished mobile C-arms. We offer custom preventative maintenance and service contracts that include rapid parts delivery, remote technical assistance, and certified local engineer dispatch to minimize surgical room downtime.