computed radiography digital radiography
DESCRIPTION
Computed Radiography Digital Radiography. Computed Radiography (CR). Been around since 1980-81 Uses same radiographic equipment No change in X-ray machine Uses an imaging plate Contains a photostimulator phosphor Need a cassette reader Images can be sent to a PACS. CT System. CR cons. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Computed RadiographyDigital Radiography
Computed Radiography (CR)
• Been around since 1980-81• Uses same radiographic equipment
– No change in X-ray machine• Uses an imaging plate
– Contains a photostimulator phosphor• Need a cassette reader• Images can be sent to a PACS
CT System
CR cons
• Still need imaging plates• Cost of plates is expensive• Same amount of time to produce the
image as with film• Processing time• Increased exposure when compared to
film and DR
DR
• Works like a digital camera– Images are seen immediately
• Two options– CCD– Digital flat plate detector
• Can be sent to PACS• Small decrease in tech time/time to
development when compared to CR
DR• No film costs• No darkroom space• No processor to maintain• No films to search for or file• No expense for film jackets• Increased productivity• Decreased retakes• Decreased exposure (Eklin)
Digital Flat Plate Detectors
• Expensive ($80,000-120,000)• Can retrofit into existing X-ray machines• Eklin
– Exposure is decreased thus improving radiation safety • Do not use grid but use image software
• IDEXX• Sound Technologies
DR Portable System - EKLIN
DR – Portable with Carrier
DR Portable System - IDEXX
CCD
• Is sold with an X-ray machine• Camera is placed in machine before
install – fits underneath the table• Less expensive than the Flat Plate
Detector • Cause increase in exposure by 2 times
– Double the mAs
Potential Cost Savings• Film• Space
– Wont need the darkroom space• Processor
– Maintenance• Less technician time
– Decreased repeats and no developing• Time lost looking for films
Images
• Ability to window exposures– Works like CT– Wider latitude for exposures
• Less retakes– Better soft tissue – Image consistency
PACS
• Picture – viewing at workstations• Archiving – images short/long term• Communication –local or wide area
networks • System – use with HIS, other equip. ect.• Method that allows storing, retrieving,
distributing throughout your hospital or the internet
PACS
• Once an image is made – it is sent to the local PACS – a copy is also sent somewhere else (in house server, off site server)
• Then the image can be pulled up and viewed– Multiple sites throughout the hospital
EKLIN
DICOM
• Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
• Imaging standard that allows multiple pieces of medical equipment to communicate
• Essentially all PACS and almost all equipment speak DICOM now
• DICOM does not effect image quality
Computer Monitors
• Bigger really is better– Small monitor can not see entire image
• Some choose grey scale monitors– More expensive (3MP)
• Some choose the Dell monitor – Less costly (2MP)
Dell 2407 HC
Image Back Up
• Must have a way to back up copies of images in case your computer crashes
• Time to “keep” images varies by province/state
• 3 options– On site server– Off site server– Fingers crossed storage
Teleradiology
• Can send your images to a radiologist for interpretation– Should be of diagnostic quality
• Buy machine they add in contract with radiologists– Be careful
Hospital Integration
• Can integrate the images you take into the patients hospital record– If hospital is automated
• Referral veterinarians can view images you have made and also receive reports