Project to Replace Older Imaging Systems Across the UK

A new project in the United Kingdom to provide newer imaging technology includes direct radiography (DR) rooms that allow easy positioning by radiographers for any examination in any sort of situation. The versatile, ceiling-suspended DR system is a direct digital X-ray room suitable for facilities that have a high patient load and are looking to streamline workflow and increase throughput.

Agfa HealthCare (Mortsel, Belgium) reported that it has implemented two DX-D 600 DR systems at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS [National Health Service] Trust (Cornwall, UK), creating two new DR rooms at the hospital. The new rooms are part of a project that will also see Agfa HealthCare installing 10 computed radiography (CR) 30-X and 3 DX-G systems across the Trust.

The versatile, ceiling-suspended DX-D 600 system is Agfa HealthCare’s advanced direct digital X-ray room. The DX-D 600 system provides a complete range of fully motorized, semiautomatic, and manual configurations. The fully automatic system offers the latest in sophisticated autopositioning technology. The DX-D 600 system is equipped with dual cesium iodide DR detectors in the wall stand and table, with optional integrated CR as well.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals were said to be pleased by the high image quality delivered by MUSICA², which lies at the heart of Agfa HealthCare’s CR and DR systems. MUSICA² software provides intelligent, body-part independent, and automated digital imaging processing for consistently reliable, high-quality image visualization.

The DX-G systems support both standard phosphor plates and needle-based detectors. Their small, convenient footprint, excellent image quality and multicassette drop-and-go buffer provide a more streamlined, more productive workflow and make them suitable for a wide range of applications. The CR 30-X systems are compact, tabletop systems for CR where space is limited or in mobile environments.

Emma Spouse, diagnostics lead, imaging and pathology, Royal Cornwall Hospitals, noted, “We are really pleased with the project. The two new DR rooms not only look fantastic, which is important for the patient experience--but our radiologists are very impressed by the image quality, and the productivity and workflow improvement. The versatility and ease of use of the DX-D 600 DR system means that the units can be quickly positioned for any examination, in any situation by our imaging staff. In addition, the immediate availability of high-quality images speeds up our workflow and reduces patient waiting times, which is key to providing an efficient imaging service. Maximum utilization of space throughout Royal Cornwall Hospitals is a key part of our development strategy, so that we can increase our accident & emergency capacity to meet demand. The commissioning of the two new DR rooms has also freed up vital space around the hospital that can be reutilized.”

Related Links:
Agfa HealthCare
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust