Choosing the right DR system is instrumental in improving a radiographer’s efficiency as it offers highly advanced imaging applications for better disease diagnosis and patient care
A Digital Radiography (DR) system is a significant and an integral part of a medical imaging system to give better workflow. It is a highly efficient system that can render an image preview in 5-10 seconds. Choosing the right DR system is instrumental in improving a radiographer’s efficiency as it offers highly advanced imaging applications for better disease diagnosis and patient care.
Furthermore, digital detector systems for projection radiography have been prevalent for several years and their use is increasing day by day. Digital detectors are now becoming clinically common as they are equipped with the implementation and deployment of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in medical and radiology enterprises.
While choosing a DR system to install in facility, here are two things one needs to do:
- Examine clinic’s requirements
- Check the different attributes in models available in the market
Consider this: Emergency care facilities need to serve non-ambulatory patients and require mobile diagnostic imaging equipment; so only a fixed DR system would not serve their purpose well. In such facilities, if budgets are not scarce, both a mobile and fixed imaging system should be planned.
In addition to the above two factors, one should take out time to stay updated with technological innovations and their applications so that they can choose a digital radiography system, which is best suited for the intended application.
The most important point here is not to base the decision to choose a system solely on the price, but on the return on investment, it is going to offer you in the long term.
Here are three kinds of DR systems to choose from for a medical facility:
- Fixed (Ceiling suspended/ceiling free/floor to ceiling) DR systems
- Mobile DR systems (Motor driven/manual)
- Portable DR systems
Fixed DR systems (ceiling suspended/ceiling free/floor to ceiling)
A fixed X-ray DR system needs a dedicated room for its installation. It has a generator, tube stand, examination table and chest stand which requires a full room. The fixed system also needs a high-power AC line (440V) in the room.
The room cannot serve any purpose other than imaging. As such fixed radiography systems prove most useful for large corporate/government hospitals and research institutes and diagnostic centers.
There are three kinds of fixed DR systems -ceiling suspended, ceiling free and floor to ceiling digital X-ray systems. They are helpful in different general radiographic applications due to various favorable features improving clinical workflow. In general, these features are as under:
- Digital touch display on tube stand for various parameters and selections.
- DAP reading dose with a display on the software screen.
- High image quality with fine pixels and high contrast range.
- Image post-processing feature for easy workflow management.
- High-resolution 3K x 3K detector with DICOM 3.0 Compatibility.
- Easy to connect with existing HIS/HMS/RIS/PACS in a hospital environment.
Here’s a sneak peek into the prominent features of the three types of fixed DR systems.
a) Ceiling suspended DR system
The ceiling-suspended (single/dual FPD) digital system gives maximum flexibility and clinical productivity suited for all-purpose radiography. This is an integrated system combining the modern technology of a high-frequency X-ray generator with flat panel technology for direct digital acquisition, making it both operator and patient-friendly. As the tube stand is ceiling suspended, it saves floor occupancy giving free space to the operator. This leads to enhanced convenience.
The high-frequency X-ray generator provides optimal image quality and productivity with DR solutions. Its X-ray tube provides manual overhead movements with electromagnetic brakes, including:
- Angulations
- Overhead rotation
- Vertical, longitudinal and transversal movements.
A ceiling suspended system digital radiography system may also be equipped with auto tracking/auto positioning features, proving helpful for general and specialised radiography applications.
b) Ceiling-free DR system
Ceiling-free systems are digital radiography systems specialised models for general radiographic applications. These systems feature the X-ray tube head mounted on a ceiling free stand, a single detector embedded in the movable detector stand housing, a mobile table, and a high-frequency X-ray generator per user-intended applications.
c) Floor-to-ceiling DR systems
They are systems comprising high-frequency X-ray generators per user requirements for different functions with floor-to-ceiling tube stands. They are available in single/dual FPD systems. The flat panel detector/detectors in such a system provide comprehensive imaging solutions to handle an increased workflow.
All DR systems are DICOM compliant and provide fast and wireless image transfer to PACS. The power and capacity serve different modality requirements and can go up to 1000 mA and 150 KV.
Mobile DR systems
Mobile X-ray machines have adequate output to deliver good-quality radiographs.
Wheel mounting makes mobile X-ray machines convenient to move on smooth or level surfaces within the radiology section or even from the radiology section to emergency, ICU wards, etc.
These machines need a 15 A socket for operation. They are a great solution for imaging non-ambulatory patients who cannot move easily. Mobile X-ray machines provide the advantage of giving better access due to its mobility and do not need lead shielding in the walls of the room.
Mobile DR systems features
- There are prominent benefits of mobile radiography systems.
- Lightweight and compact (in the range of 4.2 KW to 30 KW).
- Allows swift examinations
- Render HD digital images
- Have HF-ray generators with variable power range as per user-intended applications.
Both manually operated and battery-powered mobile digital radiography systems with motor-assisted noise-free movements are available.
Portable DR systems
Portable DR systems prove a top-notch tool for patient diagnosis and monitoring requiring more mobility, for example:
- Intensive care units
- Home care
- Prisons
- Nursing homes
This kind of equipment is most useful for low-volume or small startup facilities. Using portable DR machines does not need lead shielding in the walls, similar to Mobile DR systems. Portable DR systems can start operations with minimal or zero construction costs.
Portable DR machines have an intuitive and practicable design integrated with FPDs and PACS systems. High-quality images acquired with these machines can be easily transferred to a laptop and can be sent to a medical facility. The portable DR machine substantially lowers the time and expenses involved in film processing in dark rooms, especially in emergency vehicles.
Other important considerations to choose the right DR machine
The other key considerations while choosing a highly suitable DR machine for your facility, include:
- Costs and financing
- Right technology
- Right manufacturer
- Reliable service support
Overall, a DR system will help in rapid processing and high-image-quality formation.
Make sure you only go for a manufacturer with a great market reputation that uses the latest technology for manufacturing high-quality products, expert installation advise and team, regular staff training, prompt service back and customer support after the purchase.
Always talk to an expert to understand the latest technology in the DR systems that can enhance your clinic’s workflow efficiency and help in the efficient handling of patient load.
Last but not least, decide what budget you want to set apart to purchase DR system.
Check the versatile range of Allengers Digital Radiography Systems here. You can call us on the toll-free number at 1800-266-8800 or fill out this simple form; we’ll get back to you at the earliest.