Digital radiography equipment offers multiple functions that you wouldn’t find with older forms of X-ray machines. The portability, image displays and options to choose between multi and single-panel X-ray allows for greater versatility within the workplace. The result is of course faster patient care, diagnoses and treatments. As you introduce DR technology, you’ll find that your organization becomes far more efficient than before.
There is still the question of whether you ought to go for tethered or wireless flat panel detectors. Each of these offers different advantages that you ought to keep in mind when making the decision to invest in either. These considerations include what volumes of patients you deal with, whether you’re providing mobile medical services and much more.
Mobility Concerns
Tethered X-ray systems have the obvious disadvantage that these can’t be moved around. These are attached to walls or in bucky trays in a room where you can bring your patients in and then conduct imaging procedures. When it comes to providing mobile medical services, there is little application for these.
Compared to these, the wireless flat panel detector can be taken straight to the patient to conduct the imaging process.
Financial Considerations
Tethered detectors are usually cheaper than wireless panels. Wireless panels offer portability which accounts for this price difference. When considering investments for your hospital, it’s usually preferred to have some combination of tethered and portable panels to help maximize the efficiency of your radiology departments while minimizing the costs associated with investing in imaging systems.
Detectors Can Be Dropped
Since wireless detectors are portable and carried around, these are more likely to be damaged than tethered panels. Especially when you’re carrying them around in ambulances or in ER rooms, the activity and turbulence increases the likelihood of your panels getting irreparably damaged. Replacing them costs a lot and sets them at a disadvantage compared to tethered panels which can’t be carried around and therefore less likely to suffer damage. Wireless detectors also require batteries which add another element potentially susceptible to dysfunction due to even the slightest oversight.
Connectivity Issues
Wireless panels need to be connected to the internet networks in radiology departments to function. Wireless internet connections aren’t always completely reliable and tether-less x-ray panels might not be as effective if your imaging facilities do not work with a near flawless network infrastructure.
ExamVue is a supplier of high-quality PACS and DR acquisition software. Get in touch with us today for more information on our services or to purchase equipment for your healthcare facilities.
