Tabletop CR System Developed for Imaging Centers, Clinics, and Practices

A new tabletop computed radiography (CR) system provides rapid image access to help increase both the speed and accuracy of patient diagnosis. This compact imaging system is suitable for use in independent imaging centers, clinics, multiphysician offices, as well as chiropractic and veterinary facilities.

The system is available in countries where the company's current tabletop CR systems are sold. Beginning in November 2010, the Carestream Directview Vita CR system can be bundled with optional Image Suite software for a complete mini-picture archiving and communication system (PACS) solution that includes digital image capture, viewing, printing, storage, and management. The image Suite allows users to interface with other digital imaging modalities. This software can be hosted on a broad range of personal computer (PC)-based workstations with either standard or high-resolution monitors for reading. Image Suite is already available on a variety of the company's CR solutions.

"Many facilities that install CR for the first time do not have any type of image management capabilities, so bundling our new Image Suite software with a compact, affordable CR system equips users with a fully integrated, user-friendly solution. It helps clinics, practices and other healthcare providers fully realize the benefits of a digital imaging workflow, and establishes our ability to meet each user's current and future image capture and management needs,” said Diana L. Nole, president, Digital Medical Solutions, Carestream Health, Inc. (Rochester, NY, USA).

The lightweight Vita CR system offers a durable, sealed design that can withstand rough handling and extreme conditions. It supports eight cassette sizes, including 35 cm x 84 cm, for long-length exams. It offers a short-term archive, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) transmission to PACS and DICOM and Windows printing to a variety of output devices at no additional cost. With throughput of 44 plates per hour (35 cm x 43 cm), the system also offers additional options, such as the ability to query modality worklists and create patient CDs.

Other Vita CR system benefits include: (1) Portability: At only 36 kg, it is smaller and lighter than other CR solutions. An optional Z-cart allows the system to be easily shared between rooms and images can be viewed close to the patient's point of care. (2) Simple set-up: installation can be completed in two hours or less. Moreover, due to an intuitive interface and multiple preconfigured image presentation "looks,” this compact system requires significantly less training time than other CR systems. (3) Productivity-boosting features: a "smart erase” feature allows fast, complete erasure of latent images across all exposure levels. This automatic feature determines exposure levels and adjusts erase cycle times, which can improve operator productivity--especially for lower dose exams. (4) Optional long-length imaging: Vita CR readers can capture and process high-quality digital images of spinal or other long-length exams with a 35 cm x 84 cm cassette that weighs only 4.9 kg. Accessories include a portable caddy with embedded grid, a wall stand with grid, and beam-attenuation filters. (5) Optional total quality tool testing: a kit with a phantom and special software equips users to perform image tests and quality control measurements to ensure that equipment is functioning within normal operating specifications. Data can be exported to Microsoft Excel for review, analysis, and recordkeeping.

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