Digital Radiography: Better Technology and Greater Cost Efficiency
Another benefit is that considerably less radiation is used to capture the image thus requiring far less exposure for the patient.Instead of x-ray film, a digital capture device is used to record an x-ray image. This also allows for its availability as a digital file which can easily be used for interpretation and stored in the patient"s medical file.
Digital radiography is preferable to film for many reasons. Special techniques allow for enhancement of the display of the image which allows for better use and interpretation by medical professionals. Images do not require developing and are, therefore, available for immediate review.
Lastly, digital radiography"s broader dynamic range allows for less over and under-exposure of images and less time spent both for the patient and radiology staff.
There are two different kinds of digital capture devices:
* Flat Panel Detectors (Amorphous Silicon or Amorphous Selenium) also known as FPDs
* High Density Line Scan Solid State Detectors (Photostimulable Barium Fluoro Bromide).
Both allow for image data files to be immediately sent to a computer screen for an x-ray technologist to review and check the body position while the patient is still present. The technologist can then easily forward the image on to a radiologist for further review.
The single biggest motivator for using digital radiography, even beyond improving efficiency alone, may be the overall cost reduction in processing, managing and storing x-ray films. As organizations across the healthcare field look to trim costs, digital radiography may be one way to save money and improve quality at the same time.
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