Refurbished PET/CT Buyer's Guide
A refurbished PET/CT is the fastest, most cost-effective way to launch or expand a molecular imaging program. This buyer's guide walks through every step of the purchase — choosing the right system, validating its condition, planning installation and protecting your investment with the right warranty and service contract.
Step 1 — Define the clinical mission
Start with the clinical workload: routine FDG oncology, cardiology viability, theranostics, neurology, pediatrics or research. A high-volume oncology clinic on a tight budget is best served by a refurbished GE Discovery 710 or Siemens Biograph mCT. An academic theranostics program needs a digital PET/CT — typically the GE Discovery MI or Siemens Biograph Vision.
Step 2 — Pre-purchase inspection checklist
- PET Daily QC reports — Coincidence, Singles, Block Busy, Timing, Energy all PASS
- PET phantom resolution and uniformity scans
- CT QA phantom resolution scan and recent tube mAs / scan seconds
- Software version, installed options and license verification
- System info screens (PET service desktop) photographed and documented
- Detector temperatures and event-log review
- Cabling, gantry covers and cosmetic condition photographed
- Original OEM consoles, workstations and accessories included
Step 3 — Refurbishment vs de-install only
A true refurbishment includes de-installation, full QC, replacement of consumables (filters, batteries, calibration sources where applicable), cosmetic restoration and a verified test scan before shipping. De-install-only systems are 25–40 % cheaper but place QC, refurbishment and risk on the buyer.
Step 4 — Installation, applications training and warranty
Insist on worldwide installation, applications training and a written warranty from your supplier. MTC includes installation, training and remote support on every refurbished PET/CT and ships from FDA-registered facilities.
Step 5 — Plan the room and isotope logistics
PET/CT rooms require shielding (lead and/or concrete), a hot lab, ventilation and a radiation safety program. Confirm ceiling height, door width, floor loading and HVAC capacity early. Coordinate isotope (FDG, Ga-68, Lu-177) supply contracts before final installation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a refurbished PET/CT as good as a new one?
- A properly refurbished PET/CT from a reputable supplier delivers the same clinical performance as a new system at 30–60 % of the cost. The key is verified QC reports, OEM software, a clean inspection record and a written installation and warranty package.
- How long does it take to install a refurbished PET/CT?
- From contract signature, plan 12–20 weeks: 2–4 weeks de-installation, 4–6 weeks refurbishment and QC, 2–6 weeks international shipping and 2–3 weeks on-site installation, calibration and applications training.
- What warranty should I expect on a refurbished PET/CT?
- Industry standard for a refurbished PET/CT is a 3–6 month parts warranty with options to extend to 12 months. MTC includes a base warranty on every refurbished PET/CT and offers extended OEM-style service contracts.
Available now from MTC
Flagship digital-detector PET/CT with 4 rings, Time-of-Flight and a 128-slice CT. ~16,000 patient exams, Performix 40 Plus, full QC reports available.
Refurbished GE Discovery 710 PET/CT with VUE Point HD/FX Time-of-Flight and 16-slice CT — proven oncology workhorse with worldwide installation.
Dual-head SPECT/CT with 16-slice diagnostic CT — refurbished, inspected and ready for cardiac, oncology and general nuclear medicine.
More buyer's guides
- GE Discovery MI vs GE Discovery 710 PET/CTDigital vs analog PET/CT compared: GE Discovery MI vs Discovery 710 — detectors, sensitivity, CT slices, price range and which to buy in 2026.
- GE Discovery MI vs Siemens Biograph VisionCompare the two leading digital PET/CT platforms — GE Discovery MI vs Siemens Biograph Vision — detectors, timing, CT, price and which to buy refurbished.
- Digital PET/CT vs Analog PET/CTDigital vs analog PET/CT explained — detectors, sensitivity, Time-of-Flight, dose, lesion detectability and price. Pick the right platform in 2026.
- GE PET/CT Price Guide (2026)2026 used GE PET/CT pricing — Discovery MI, 710, 690, 610, 600 and IQ. Refurbished price ranges, what drives cost and how to budget for installation.