ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 13 -- Even before the game starts at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Tom Waters, the on-site RT (radiologic technologist), takes x-ray images of players' injuries to help evaluate a player's readiness to compete. During half time, more players rush to have exams taken to evaluate new and existing injuries before the game resumes. This need for rapid radiographic exams of injured athletes led Dolphins administrators to install a new KODAK digital x-ray capture system that processes high-resolution medical images in less than one minute.

"It's important that our stadium have state-of-the-art imaging equipment so that team physicians can determine the seriousness of players' injuries and their ability to return to the game," said G. Eric Knowles, Senior Director of Stadium Operations and Community Relations for Dolphins Stadium. "Physicians for the Dolphins and visiting football teams have been extremely pleased with the increase in image quality and speed provided by our new KODAK digital medical imaging system."

Knowles involved Dolphins team physicians and Waters in the evaluation of several vendors' computed radiography (CR) systems for image quality and ease of use. Based on this assessment, stadium directors purchased a KODAK DIRECTVIEW CR 825 System and a KODAK DRYVIEW 8150 Laser Imager for digital output onto radiographic film.
"The orthopaedic specialists are extremely impressed with the image quality produced by the CR 825 system. Kodak's specialized medical imaging software provides both the fine detail and high contrast required to detect soft tissue injuries and subtle fractures," Waters said. "The image quality of the radiographic film output is also outstanding."

He added that the CR 825 system offers efficient image processing and is easy to use. "Having a streamlined workflow with very few steps is important, especially when I have several players from both teams waiting to be imaged during a 12-minute half time," said Waters.

The KODAK imaging system will also be used for Florida Marlins' major league baseball games and for collegiate events played at Dolphins stadium, including the Orange Bowl in January 2006.

The CR 825, a single-cassette digital x-ray capture system, is widely used by orthopaedic practices, diagnostic imaging centers and small hospitals. The KODAK 8150 Laser Imager offers outstanding performance in low- to mid-volume medical printing environments.

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