DR

Revolution in Imaging Modality

All over the world lot of research is taking place to anticipate the advent of the digital hospital

"There are still unanswered challenges to its implementation, with the need to establish quality electronic viewing, reduction of errors, and protection of patient information" - Dr Sunita Dube Radiologist and Sonologist Aryan Group of Hospitals

In today's world, in imaging modality, radiology and Sonography have become an integral part of medical faculty.

Today, everyone has realised the advancement in medical science, with technologies and new machineries introduced; doctors have found it easier to diagnose a patient more precisely.

The introduction of digital radiography and sonography have many benefits, that most of the doctors advise their patients for digital X-ray sonography etc to enable them to read the reports point to point.

What is Digital Radiology?

Digital radiology is a technologic advancement that is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. There are clear benefits in digital technology, including rapid access to images, simultaneous viewing by multiple physicians and image manipulation, with other exciting advances such as computer-aided diagnosis. Digital radiology results in numerous benefits for physicians and patients.

Digital Radiography

Digital radiography gives the best image, offers many advantages and possibilities, including, the reconstruction and reformatting of images, easier image processing, wide range of acquisition, rapid storage and retrieval, better distribution and more controlled viewing and analysis. This finally adds up to improved image management, CR and digital radiography. New improved technologies in digital radiography have an excellent result. Recent advances in manufacturing technology have made possible a new generation of large area, flat-panel detectors with integrate, thin film transistor read out mechanisms.

Digital radiology gives best image that exceeds both screen film receptors and photo stimulating storage phosphor computed radiographic systems because of improvements in X-ray detector technology. Digital radiography continues with information of large area, flat panel electronic detectors. Digital electronic X-ray detectors include two broad classes of detectors based on transistor arrays and the older, Charge Coupled Device (CCD)-based designs.

Types

Digital radiography is divided into computed radiography and direct radiography. Computed radiography is further divided into indirect and storage phosphors. Direct Radiography consists of indirect conversion and direct conversion. Indirect conversion consists of scintillators and Image intensifier. Direct conversion consists of mainly photo conductor and selenium drum.

Recent Development

Recent developments and their potential impact on the provision of care which are being examined by the different manufacturers, include CR, photoconductor drum, direct DR, indirect DR and CCD- DR. reputed manufacturers are competing to provide the most efficient system. Radiography is in the middle of the transition from conventional screen-film imaging and digital image which improves workflow, image quality and, in particular, to reduce the patient dose. The Focus on the technology is flat-panel detector systems which shows a similar flexibility as standard film- screen systems and storage phosphor systems already established on the market.

All over the world lot of research is taking place to anticipate the advent of the digital hospital. Since imaging is the heart of medical healthcare services, it makes sense to anticipate a fully electronic Imaging department to ensure that the patient receives the best possible treatment. One of the ways we can do this is to make our facility as efficient as possible, examining the steps necessary in the workflow to improve throughput and image quality with a reduced patient radiation dose.

Advantage of Modality

Direct radiography systems allow improved image quality or dose reduction due to their higher detective quantum efficiency and enable faster workflow because of prompt image availability.

This technology is changing the X-ray beam into an electrical signal without the use of light. Such a direct DR system and X-ray unit allowing to perform all kinds of X-ray procedures. Preview images are displayed within seconds on a monitor allowing the radiographer to do administrative work around the patient (check image quality, positioning etc) without leaving the X-ray room. Currently a flat-panel detector as scintillator based on CsJ technology is state-of-the-art.

An improvement of the workflow, gives faster access to preview images by reducing the patient radiation dose, with auto- positioning of patient during scan, improving the workload for the radiographers. Auto-positioning of the X-ray unit in a controlled way, while the radiographer can call or position the patient into a room. The workflow for flat panel equipped X-ray rooms can be improved and can add more flexibility in X-ray techniques.

Faster Result

Digital imaging provides rapid and improved flow of diagnostic information. Electronic images can potentially be viewed on a screen immediately after acquisition, rather than waiting for a film to be processed. In practice, images are available for viewing less than a minute after they have been taken.

Radiologist Friendly Technology

The ability to manipulate a digital image offers a tremendous diagnostic advantage over film. Software on viewing workstations permits the radiologist to utilise zoom for a close-up of specific areas, stacking of images for serial viewing and other benefits. Precise measurement of objects is possible. In addition, clinically important findings can be annotated for clinical and educational purposes. The ability to digitally highlight such findings is helpful for subsequent readers of the image. Digital radiology software allows simplified comparison of studies; for instance, side-by-side viewing of radiographs taken days, weeks, or even longer before it enables the radiologist to quickly notice fine differences in appearance.

Longer Storage of Information

The number of images that can be stored is limited only by the storage capacity of the archival system. Images stored digitally, with proper backup mechanisms are much less likely to be misplaced, misfiled, or potentially destroyed. they are easily available to anyone who has proper access to them regardless of time of day or location.

Revolutionary Benefits

Digital images can be viewed simultaneously at different locations rather than being limited to diagnostic information existing on a single piece of film. This enhances clinical care by permitting multiple care providers to view information that previously existed in only one location on a single film. In addition, consultation and discussion from multiple locations may occur, either from within the hospital or at satellite locations such as remote offices or consultants' homes.

Digital radiology allows remote access to radiographic images. The advent of high-speed networks and the internet have expanded the range of remote viewing to be essential at any place with network and/or internet access. Remote accesses to images relieve radiologists of the requirement of being physically in the hospital at all times.

Financial Benefits

The cost of digital radiology equipment is a major consideration. The initial implementation of an extensive digital radiology system (including workstations, software, networks, and digital archives) requires financial resources and institutional commitment. The major financial benefit of digital systems is due to reduction of film costs and staff. Film costs include processing, handling, storage space, and, of course, the film itself. Information technology and digital radiology system administrators need to be hired, but overall staff needs are reduced because of the elimination of the film library functions and increased productivity of technologists and radiologists.Another financial justification for digital radiology has been the recovery of charges that were previously unbillable due to misplaced or lost films. Earnings that are otherwise lost from films without a final interpretation have been shown to be a significant source of reimbursement.

There is also a financial benefit due to improvements in risk management and the corresponding reduction in liability costs as well as operational advantages resulting in improved productivity and reduced length of stay.

Last But Not the Least

However, there are still unanswered challenges to its implementation, with the need to establish quality electronic viewing, reduction of errors, and protection of patient information. Multiple operational questions need to be evaluated and answered. The limitations of tele-radiology are generally related to the limits of the technology that is used in the process, such as remote access network speed and file size. These limitations are generally minimal with the use of newer technologies. Through the use of tele-radiology, even small hospitals can have access to high-quality radiology interpretation on a consistent basis.