Digital radiography is a type of x-ray imaging that replaces the need for traditional photographic film by using digital sensors instead of film. There are a lot of advantages to using digital radiography, starting with efficiency by eliminating chemical processing, less radiation can be used to product x-ray images of similar quality to traditional radiography. Some of the other benefits include, immediate image preview, no costly film, no more expensive and toxic chemicals, a wider dynamic range, which makes it more forgiving for over- and under-exposure

New and Used Equipement

Digital Xray is here and more affordable than you thought. The explosion of digital technology has expanded the role of imaging modalities in a whole host of clinical applications from trauma to cancer to cardiology has increased the profile of radiography while enabling computer technologies expand the usefulness of traditional x-ray techniques.

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? Click here to contact Raytech Diagnostics, we can work with you to design just the right solution.

When thinking about Digital or Computed Radiographic systems, consider the following comparison below:

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.

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

Digital Radiography (DR)

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.

Points To Consider

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.