Expanding the role of the oncology nurse.

A computed tomography (CT) scanner includes an enclosure which forms a substantially sealed chamber around the rotatable disk carrying the radiation source and the radiation detectors. The CT scanner further includes an air conditioning system for controlling the temperature and humidity of the air inside the chamber. The air conditioning system can be a closed loop system whereby only air from inside the chamber is processed through the air conditioning system and no outside air is introduced to the chamber. Thus, the CT scanner can be operated in a wider range of environmental conditions. In an alternate embodiment, the air conditioning system can produce a positive pressure inside the chamber to prevent outside air from entering through openings in the enclosure. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system can include an input port in order to draw sufficient outside air to produce a positive pressure inside the chamber. The input port can include a filter to prevent dust from entering the chamber, thus, enabling the CT scanner to have a longer useful life between preventative maintenance and service events.