As a result of their affordable price and proven reliability, ease of installation and use, CR systems have quickly become the prevalent means to digitally capture X-ray images for many smaller hospitals, imaging centres and speciality practices.
In this edition we seek opinions of users who have incorporated Fujifilm’s CR system—Capsula X.
Capsula X is said to be a high-quality and compact FCR for broad range of diagnostic imaging. It is smaller and lighter than other available systems in the market and hence its name, which means ‘a small box’ in Latin, is quite apt. This system is developed using Fujifilm’s vertical cassette loading method, with which workspace is reduced compared to previous horizontal insertion models.
The makers claim that the product doesn’t need a silver based film, chemicals, dark room storage or specially trained staffs to manage this modern equipment. According to Fujilfim, Capsula X also reduces the amount of radiation to the body and often allows the physicians to see everything they need on a single exposure. Faster image acquisition and image previews can be made available within seconds. Because of the digital nature of the images, there is no degradation from continual viewing as there can be with X-ray film.
Other advantages claimed include more finely focussed results from the process as well as greater placement accuracy, which leads to less need to re-do exposures.
Some of its technical features are mentioned below:
- Small enough to fit anywhere – footprint 0.22 sq m, height 0.81 m
- Easy operations viewed on small monitor
- Supports various diagnostic imaging sizes (7 sizes including 15 x 30 cm)
- FCR Capsula X processing 43-72 images per hour is optimal for remote or low volume areas with less demanding work-flow.
After understanding the features of Capsula X, we analysed its features and reviews some important aspects that facilitate its users in their work-flow on daily basis.
Performance: Sturdiness and consistency of output are very essential parameters to look for while evaluating the performance of an equipment. So, we asked users how Capsula X rates where these features are concerned. Elaborating on the same Dr SP Ganeshan, MD, Hitech Diagnostics, Chennai informs, “Capsula X is an extremely good product. I am very impressed with the speed of this system. With the help of this system one can perform around 280 scans per day which is a high number. Each scan takes around 45-60 seconds which a quite quick. The system is quite a reliable and robust instrument as it performs with consistency. This product is able to sustain various environmental conditions in India as well.” Dr Sujeet Dattar, Dattar Diagnostic Center also agrees that Capsula X is a sturdy system. He goes on to say that he had purchased the Capsula X six years back and the system provides accurate results even today. “Capsula X is a very durable CR system. There is no limit to the number of scans one can take using this product. It saves a lot of time and streamlines our work-flow. The software incorporated in the system is very efficient and above all it reduces the workload of the technician,” he adds. Dr Santanu Mitra, Head of Diagnostic Department, Sodani Hospital & Diagnostic Centres is also very pleased with the performance of the system. He says that he has been using Capsula X for the past couple of years and his work flow has improving after that. However, Dr Mitra also points out that the system is a sophisticated system and needs trained professionals to operate it.
| User ratings in the scale of 1-5 ( 5 being the highest) | |||||
| Name of the Doctor | Technology | Durability | Image quality | User-friendliness | Value for money |
| Dr Sujeet Dattar | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Dr Santanu Mitra | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Dr SP Ganeshan | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
User friendliness: On the technology front, the users find the software quite adaptable. They are of the opinion that the software incorporated in the system are less complicated and therefore makes it easy to handle. The users opine that the product requires minimum intervention once all the organ processing parameters are set. Dr Ganeshan informs that while purchasing the product, training is also provided to the personnel to operate the product.
Image quality: The image quality of the system is said to be of high diagnostic value. Users find the resolution and contrast of the images extremely good. The product has a dedicated image processing software to enhance the image quality. Dr Mitra appreciates the quality of images that are produced by the system. He says, “Capsula X is a multi-faceted system which helps technicians to procure good quality images.” Dr Ganeshan is of the opinion that the images that are derived from Capsula X is much better than those produced by the other CR systems which he has used. He says, “I have been using other systems as well but the image quality that I have received from Capsula X is quite high.” Further, the users find the image display parameter adjustments very flexible. They say that these parameters can be customised as per the users’ needs. The image processing parameter plays an important role in the main output of the film.
Benefits to patients: With the new imaging plate replacing conventional films, radiation dose is reduced and this is very beneficial to the patients. Users feel that this option has brought them respite as they are now confident that they can ensure low dose radiation exposure to patients as well as technicians.
Cost effectiveness: It is an expensive product. Yet, users are able to achieve ROI over a period of time. When asked about the profitability of the product, Dr Mitra, replies, “A product’s cost effectiveness depends mainly on the turnover gained from the product over a period of time. Returns on investments from imaging system is gained on making profit from volumes and this where this Capsula X becomes cost effective because this system has an excellent characteristic of increasing the number of scans per day.” Dr Ganeshan and Dattar also agree on this point.
Thus, the users seem to be satisfied with the product. However, they claim that though the system seems to perform very well, offers good quality images and is user-friendly, there is scope for improvement. All three users state that the software will need upgradation over a period of time. Dr Mitra, says, “As the system grows older its applications become slow. That’s why there is a need to upgrade the software with time.” Adding to this, Dr Dattar says, “Fuji needs to upgrade their software so that the system can allow for a whole spine X-ray, which is not available currently.”
The product is slowly gaining popularity. It is to be seen that Capsula X has already made its way in examination, diagnosis and treatment methods through its features. Radiologists are opting for it in preference to the older style film X-rays for non-destructive examination.