PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. -- Cassette-based digital x-ray (DX) systems--or computed radiography (CR) systems--are flexible and affordable, which has secured their continued use in clinical settings. ECRI (www.ecri.org), an independent, nonprofit health services research agency, provides its latest evaluation of CR systems in a recent issue of Health Devices. The issue features ECRI's ratings of one cassette-based DX system, describes new product offerings from four previously rated suppliers, and offers an overview of new CR technologies.

In this study, ECRI presents test results and ratings for one CR system. The study focuses on the quality of the images produced, throughput speed, redundancy, and increased efficiency of the radiology department. ECRI identifies key advantages related to both image quality and cost. ECRI also describes the new product offerings from the suppliers of previously evaluated CR systems: Agfa, Fujifilm Medical Systems, Kodak, and Philips Medical Systems. Purchasing guidance on the new CR technology developments is also offered.

Also in this medical imaging-focused issue, ECRI outlines the potential risks and hazards of "keepsake ultrasound," a practice being performed by sonographers who may not be properly trained. ECRI cautions against the use of ultrasound scans solely to provide parents with souvenir images of their baby, without a medical purpose. The "keepsake" ultrasound services can expose the patients to undue risk.
All issues of Health Devices, ECRI's flagship publication for healthcare technology decision makers, include a section derived from ECRI's International Problem Reporting System. Articles in this section cover medical device hazards investigated by ECRI and contain specific recommendations to help healthcare facilities minimize risks. This month's Problem Reporting section describes two power-cord-related issues, one of which caused a ventilator to shut down.

Health Devices is provided to members of ECRI's Health Devices System, Health Devices Gold, and SELECTplus^TM programs. For more than 35 years, Health Devices has featured comparative, brand-name evaluations of medical devices and systems based on extensive laboratory testing and clinical studies. ECRI's evaluations focus on the safety, performance, efficacy, and human factors design of specific medical devices and technologies. Along with ECRI's test results and ratings, published evaluations include a technology overview, guidance on selecting appropriate devices and using them safely, and discussions of relevant topics, such as cost containment, equipment management, and adherence to standards. Health Devices also features in-depth guidance articles on healthcare technology management topics.

For information on purchasing single or bulk copies of the November 2005 issue of Health Devices, or for more information about membership, contact ECRI by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5891; by e-mail at communications@ecri.org; by fax at (610) 834-1275; by mail at 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; or by visiting www.ecri.org. ECRI's European office can be contacted at info@ecri.org.uk, ECRI's Asia-Pacific office can be contacted at s.e.asia@ecri.org; and ECRI's Middle Eastern office can be contacted at middleeast@ecri.org.

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