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Computed Radiography

Digital Radiography
LeeAnn Pack DVM
Diplomate ACVR

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

Images used in this presentation from


www.eklin.com
www.idexx.com
www.dell.com

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