Direct digital radiography, or DR systems, is the newest way for doctor and veterinary
clinics to obtain digital images from their patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. This technology is faster than previous systems which used a film or cassette to obtain and store the image. Another advantage of DR systems is that it can be moved easily from one location to the next, or can even be used on non-domesticated animals.
Digital radiography is safer for the patient because it requires less radiation to get a digital image from a patient. Another advantage is that is costs less to use due to the fact that it uses a collection plate to store images and not a cassette or film. The end result is a product that is faster, less expensive and safer for patients.
There are six different types of DR systems available for medical clinics that are interested in obtaining this new technology. Podiatrists and chiropractors would be best served with the 20/20 imaging model that has been designed with these two specialties in mind. It is used while the patient is standing up, and developers plan to re-work the design to make it possible to use for orthopedic surgeons and veterinarians.
The Fuji DR is the most light-weight version of this equipment that is currently available. It comes equipped with existing X-ray equipment that can be easily converted to the new direct radiography system.
The Viztek DR is one of the more advanced models of this equipment. It employs flat panel detectors in order to produce an image of superior quality.
By using the Carestream DR, doctors can obtain a digital X-ray within seconds. This system can be used as a stand-alone model or as an upgrade to an existing model.
The Medicatech is the only type of DR equipment that is the size of cassette panels. With this equipment, medical clinics can convert their imaging to digital in less than 60 minutes.
For doctors who don't want to work with film scanning or development, the Naomi DR allows them to display an on-screen image within seconds.