Digital Xray (Digital and Captured Radiographic Systems)

Now proudly Offering the Regius NANO CR System from Konica Minolta, there has never been a better time to go digital. Learn more about the Regius CR system.

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Interested in moving beyond your traditional radiographic chemical based X-ray system but confused about the differences between Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) and where the new technologies may fit in with your current X-Ray investment? US Imaging can work with you to design just the right solution for you. When thinking about Digital or Computed Radiographic systems, consider the following comparison:

Film-based processing:

• Chemicals must be stored refreshed and disposed of periodically and properly.
• Often requires a darkroom which takes up valuable real estate.
• Film is difficult to store and takes up an enormous amount of space.
• Film images are easy to lose and cumbersome to share with patients or other physicians.
• Film is subject to over exposure or under exposure and can involve multiple retakes.

Digital Computer Radiographic Imaging:

• Compact digital format storage/archiving. Images are stored on digital media (CD-ROMS, DVD, and Network File Shares).
• Digital Images provide for easier information sharing.
• Improved diagnostics (no loss of image quality).
• Lower cost of ownership (reusable digital media).
• More efficient workflow.

When considering the move to Digital X-ray, generally speaking there are two types of systems in place to choose from.

Digital Radiography (DR):
The first, Digital Radiography (DR) refers to flat panel x-ray detectors. A DR system is equipped with a fixed size pixilated detector that translates the x-ray radiation directly in to an electrical charge. That charge is sent to a processing unit which assembles the image for you. This option can be expensive and because the detector itself must be matched to the X-Ray equipment, these systems are sold as an integrated solution. The advantage of the DR is that it can produce an image immediately after the exposure by moving the latent image directly from the detector using the electronics integrated with the detector.

Computed Radiography (CR):
Computed Radiography (CR) refers to imaging technology using an intermediate process - phosphor plates. The phosphor plates act as the radiation detectors. Following x-ray exposure the plates contained in the cassettes are loaded to a laser scanner that reads the latent images by laser stimulation. Until recently, CR systems were only available as large, expensive, multi-cassette systems designed as centralized resources for radiology departments. However, technology has changed and these systems are available and priced so that even the small operation can enjoy the benefits of CR.

• Computer Radiography (CR) is much more forgiving than analog film systems. You do not have to worry so much about over and underexposure.
• CR is much more practical. It lets you take advantage of your investment in current radiology rooms.
• With CR, Image quality can be superior to conventional film.
• One CR system, can service multiple radiology rooms.
• The CR System itself has a compact footprint.
• With a compact system, the tech can remain in the room through the imaging process. Workflow is enhanced because the system eliminates both the walk from exam room to processor and the lines at the central system.
• Lost film problem has been solved as images can be located on disk.
• No chemical abatement issues.

Both CR and DR can offer major productivity advantages over analog x-ray for facilities with throughputs of 30-50 patients a day. Both also can also sharply reduce the amount of time it takes to produce images, thus improving the overall efficiency of the department. For more information about making the move to Digital X-ray, give us a call and we will gladly consult with you on finding the best solution to fit your needs.

1. How does Computed Radiography (CR) work? The phosphor plates in their cassettes are exposed to the x-ray the same way as film. During exposure the x-ray radiation is absorbed in the phosphor plate forming a latent image. The latent images are "extracted" from the plates when a laser beam generated inside the reader illuminates the phosphor plate. The laser beam provides enough energy to reverse the latent image formation process causing the plates to emit photons of light. The photons are detected and translated into an image that can be enhanced, processed and displayed on the monitor.
2. How many times can I reuse a phosphor plate? The phosphor plate forms and stores temporary latent images of an incoming x-ray. A plate can be erased and reused virtually indefinitely. Plates can be used in a lighted room and are protected from exposure to scratches, fingerprints and dirt.
3. Is a Computed Radiography (CR) system easy to use? Intuitive interface of the system allows for a short learning curve, easy access to all of the features of the system and higher technician productivity. Typical installation and training can be done in one day.
4. What sizes of cassettes are available? Three standard size auto-loading cassettes (14" x 17", 10" x 12" and 8" x 10") are available.

To learn more about how US Imaging LLC can help you take advantage of the latest in Digital XRay technology, please contact us and we will be more than happy to speak with you.