Digital Radiography

The World's First Wireless, Cassette-size DR Detector

Introduced by Carestream Health, it is designed to fit existing X-ray rooms without modification

Todd R Minnigh of Carestream Health, Inc, unveils the company's revolutionary new wireless digital imaging system that is light enough for portable use. The DRX-1 System promises to deliver higher productivity for hospital staffs and less time in waiting rooms for patients

Carestream Health, Inc will soon start selling in India, the industry's first wireless Digital Radiography (DR) detector that is the size of a standard cassette and can be used with existing wall stand or table-based Buckys. The Carestream DRX-1 System, currently a work-in-progress, is expected to be available in many parts of the world during the first quarter of 2009.

The Carestream DRX-1 System incorporates a console and a wireless 14 x 17 inch (35 x 43 cm) cassette-size DR detector that provides a rapid, affordable conversion for users of radiographic film or computed radiography systems. It requires no modifications to existing analog equipment- which results in very low installation costs and a healthcare facility can utilise one detector for nearly all types of exams, where a traditional cassette would be used. The DRX-1 system delivers high-quality preview images in less than five seconds, which significantly improves productivity, even for users of Computed Radiography (CR) systems.

"This innovative wireless detector presents an extremely attractive option for facilities that want to improve productivity and image quality in existing film or CR rooms, but do not have the budget for equipment replacement," said Vivek Bhargava, India's General Manager for Digital Capture Solutions, Carestream Health. "No modifications to existing X-ray systems are needed and facilities can continue to use the Bucky with CR or film-based cassettes if desired. In addition, the wireless functionality of the DRX-1 can improve efficiency by allowing a much more flexible workflow to meet the specialised needs of each individual facility."

Because this DR detector is a wireless cassette, it provides flexible positioning that enhances both efficiency and patient comfort. The detector can be used wherever it is needed—in the wall stand Bucky, table Bucky or for tabletop shots and other difficult views.

With a weight of 8.5 pounds, the detector is up to 30 per cent lighter and up to 50 per cent smaller than other portable detectors. Its compact size and light weight further enhances convenience and throughput for radiology professionals.

Carestream Health's engineers designed the DR detector and all components within the cassette to withstand the challenging environment of a modern X-ray department. The rugged detector, case and internal components are designed to produce top quality DR images under real-life X-ray department conditions.

The DRX-1 system- suitable for general radiology, trauma, orthopaedics and virtually all other X-ray exams, incorporates the same innovative software and image processing capability as Carestream Health's Kodak DirectView CR and DR systems and therefore will deliver image quality and workflow consistent with these systems.

A console is included with the detector to assist with image capture, preparing preview images, image processing and full-resolution display. Images can be transmitted as DICOM files to a PACS or storage device. The DR detector can be used with standard off-the-shelf grid holders and grids for tabletop use. Carestream Health markets a broad portfolio of CR and DR systems that equip hospitals, outpatient imaging centres, orthopaedic practices and other healthcare providers with digital image capture for X-ray imaging studies.