Having been used since the early 20th century for the detection and diagnosis of health problems, x-ray is the oldest and the most widely-used diagnostic imaging solution there is. Thanks to the constant advancements in healthcare technologies and the emergence of new innovative solutions, the diagnostic imaging landscape is vastly different to what it was a few decades ago. Traditional x-ray systems are now being replaced by digital systems as healthcare providers across the world look to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the medical services they deliver.
This digital, modernized version of diagnostic imaging offers a number of benefits over traditional x-ray systems. Here are few of the primary ones.
Reduced Radiation Exposure
According to medical studies, digital x-ray systems emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional x-ray systems. While traditional x-rays are considered to be safe by most healthcare specialists, digital x-rays reduce the risk even more. The chances of a patient developing any type of health issue because of radiation from digital x-rays are extremely remote.
More Efficient & Cost Effective
Digital x-ray technology is now widely available, and medical institutions and facilities can easily procure it at relatively low costs. Digital X-ray systems are more cost-effective than traditional systems because they don’t require any film. With traditional x-ray systems, the images are chemically-developed on film, which means that medical facilities have to constantly invest in film, and the chemicals required for developing the images. Moreover, developing images captured with a traditional x-ray system also requires a significant amount of time. With a digital system, you don’t require any film or chemicals as the images are captured, processed and stored digitally. Furthermore, a digital system can display an image just seconds after capturing it.
Another major advantage with digital x-ray systems is that they offer virtually limitless storage space. You don’t require any envelopes or filing cabinets to store the images as you would with a traditional x-ray system. Another drawback with conventional systems is that the images produced by them degrade over time. With a digital x-ray system, on the other hand, there’s no risk of the images losing their quality.All images are stored digitally and can be transferred to the cloud or a physical hard drive for convenient access in the future.
More Eco-Friendly
The film and chemicals required by traditional x-ray systems often end up in the ocean or landfills, which consequently leads to environmental damage. Digital radiography system, meanwhile, don’t require the use of any of these materials, which makes them the more environmentally friendly option.
If you’re looking to upgrade to digital x-ray system, get in touch with ExamVue. They offer state-of-the digital imaging equipment as well as advanced software solutions including ExamVue DR Acquisition and Examvue PACS software