Reducing Energy Waste in CT Scanners: A Sustainable Step Forward

Medical imaging technologies like CT scanners and MRI machines are essential components of healthcare, but they also significantly contribute to hospital energy consumption. These machines require constant cooling, which increases their carbon footprint. Hospitals often keep these devices running 24/7 to be ready for emergencies, but recent research suggests that this practice may be unnecessary and wasteful.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences explored the possibility of turning off CT scanners when not actively in use. In collaboration with the New South Wales Health Net Zero program and a practicing radiographer, researchers tested whether switching off surplus CT scanners during off-hours could save energy without compromising patient care.

The study took place in a large public hospital with three CT scanners. One scanner, used mainly during daytime hours, was kept on continuously to handle emergencies. Researchers compared its energy use when kept on 24/7 with periods when the scanner was turned off overnight and on weekends. The results were promising: simply turning off the scanner during inactivity periods reduced its energy consumption by around 32%. This translated to saving approximately 140 kWh of energy in just one week—more than what an average household consumes.

Importantly, the radiographers reported no negative impact on their workflow, and the hospital observed some cost savings. After the study, staff continued the practice of switching off scanners when idle, and similar strategies were adopted in other hospitals within the district.

This research highlights a practical approach to make healthcare more sustainable. Reducing unnecessary energy use in medical imaging not only cuts costs but also decreases greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, with initiatives targeting reductions across various areas such as anesthetic gases, pharmaceutical waste, and single-use equipment.

By empowering frontline clinicians with evidence-based practices, we can move toward greener, more efficient hospitals that deliver high-quality care without excessive environmental impact. Innovations like these demonstrate that small changes, such as turning off unused equipment, can lead to significant environmental benefits.

Source: research in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences | For more information, visit medicalxpress.com.