The result is that with the replacement of the analog equipment there is no requirement for a scanning step as in CR and the image is available immediately electronically. Again, improved patient throughput is the result.
In the digital scheme the image is captured on an image plate, a receptor. From the receptor the data is transferred electronically to an image management system. From there it's processed in software by an image processor and sent back to the image management system. Once processed the digital image can be stored and retrieved, sent to a patient information system or moved to a communications network where it can be viewed at an adjacent monitor or at a reading station many miles away.
Ad Statistics
Times Displayed: 19948
Times Visited: 374 Stay up to date with the latest training to fix, troubleshoot, and maintain your critical care devices. GE HealthCare offers multiple training formats to empower teams and expand knowledge, saving you time and money
The processing, transferring and archiving of the digital X-ray image is a seamless process dependent on software and bandwidth. But like so many advanced technologies the very switch to digital for the purpose of eliminating film has caused the development of a variety of other technologies like PACS. This is an example of technology breeding technology.
Markets & Applications
There are three market segments in which digital X-ray is making a significant impact.
Veterinary. Vets are using CR and DDR technology. They want to eliminate the use of film and the associated storage of hardcopy files. In general, the veterinarian is focused on cutting costs and is usually interested in securing pre-owned digital X-ray equipment. Equipment portability is important.
Dental. Dentists want their patient base to know that they are employing the latest technology for dental care. The prospect of eliminating the expense of film and its associated processing is an extra benefit. Dentists believe that with the instant imaging available with DDR systems they achieve better throughput and increase productivity.
Human Radiography. By far the largest market of the three, the radiologist is interested in CR, DDR and volume CT, with the latter still garnering most of the interest.
CR and DDR may still be the workhorses of general radiography but CT, originally introduced in 1972, has been reborn with the advances in multi-detector and volume CT.
The new CT with volume detectors and slice capabilities of 40, 64, 256 or higher is center stage. Along with new and interesting applications comes a high acquisition cost. These scanners cost well over $1 million and require expertise to use and technology to deal with the reams of images produced with each scan.
