With Computed Radiography, images like these can be viewed digitally.
Computed Radiography (CR) systems use equipment similar to conventional radiography except that in place of an X-ray film, an imaging plate is used to create the digital image, which is then transferred to a computer. Although initial costs apply when upgrading a conventional X-ray system to a Computed Radiography system, in the long run Computed Radiography comes with enough benefits to make up for the initial costs.
Chemicals
X-ray films are no longer taken to a darkroom or an automatic film processor to be developed in chemical tanks. With Computed Radiography, the imaging plate is run through a special laser scanner to read the image and transferred digitally to the computer to appear on the screen. The digital image can then be viewed and be contrast- or color-enhanced for better visibility.
Using Computed Radiography eliminates the chemicals used for film development, saving on daily chemical costs. As these chemicals are also considered hazardous waste, Computed Radiography has a clear benefit on the environment over conventional film radiography.
Installation
With Computer Radiography, existing X-ray machines are still used, with only a change in the recording device. This eliminates the cost of setting up a whole new system.
Films
Although Computed Radiography imaging plates are more expensive than conventional X-ray films, these can be re-used, saving on film costs over time. Computed Radiography imaging plates can be re-used between 15,000 to 40,000 times, as opposed to X-ray films, which can only be used once.
Space
Computed Radiography eliminates the use of a darkroom altogether, as well as the physical space needed to store recorded images. Digital storage space is however needed for images, and as the images are quite big, the extra costs for hard-drive space need to be added to the budget of the facility.
Retakes
Conventional radiography is a manual procedure: the radiologist sets the exposure depending on the size of the patient. This occasionally results in an over- or under-exposure (a too dark or too light image). The radiologist would then have to retake the image, resulting in additional radiation to the patient. With Computed Radiography, minor exposure faults can be corrected digitally, saving time and the danger of excessive radiation exposure to the patient. In conventional radiography retakes would use more film, which is not the case in Computed Radiography, as the image plate is re-usable.
Time
As film-processing time is eliminated, Computed Radiography has the economic benefit over conventional radiography that a higher amount of patients can be scanned daily. Doctors now have immediate access over the digital image and can view it through the network on their computer screens.
Distribution
Conventional X-ray plates needed to be physically transported if a second opinion was needed. A doctor can now simply send the digital image to the specialist via a digital network connection. This eliminates transportation costs.
Medium
Computed Radiography enables health workers to reproduce images on mediums other than film. Digital images can be documented on CDs, printed on high-quality paper or simply viewed on a computer monitor. These are all cheaper options than conventional X-ray film.
Tags: Computed Radiography, digital image, Computed Radiography imaging, Radiography imaging, With Computed, With Computed Radiography