1. Computed RadiographyDigital Radiography

2. 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

3. CT System

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. DR Portable System - EKLIN

9. DR – Portable with Carrier

10. DR Portable System - IDEXX

11. 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

12. 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

13. Images • Ability to window exposures • Works like CT • Wider latitude for exposures • Less retakes • Better soft tissue • Image consistency

14. 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

15. 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

16. EKLIN

17. 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

18. 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)

19. Dell 2407 HC

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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