Wireless, Cassette-Size DR Detector Provides Flexibility

Carestream Health Inc. introduced a wireless DR detector, CARESTREAM DRX-1, a work-in-progress which is the size of a standard cassette and can be used with existing wall stand or table-based Buckys designed for use in general radiology, trauma, pediatric imaging, orthopaedics and more.
The CARESTREAM DRX-1 System incorporates a console and a wireless 14 x 17 inch (35 x 43 cm) cassette-size digital radiography (DR) detector that provides a rapid, affordable conversion for users of radiographic film or computed radiography systems. It requires no modifications to existing analog equipment—which results in very low installation costs—and a healthcare facility can utilize one detector for all types of exams. The DRX-1 system delivers fully processed, high-quality preview images in reportedly five seconds, designed to improve productivity, even for users of computed radiography (CR) systems.
Because this DR detector is a wireless cassette, it provides flexible positioning for enhanced both efficiency and patient comfort. The detector can be used in the wall stand Bucky, table Bucky or for tabletop shots and other difficult views. With a weight of 8.5 pounds, the detector is up to 30 percent lighter and up to 50 percent smaller than many other portable detectors.
Carestream Health’s engineers designed the DR detector and all components within the cassette to withstand the challenging environment of a modern x-ray department. The rugged detector, case, and internal components are designed and tested to produce top quality DR images under real-life x-ray department conditions. The system is engineered to deliver high-quality images.
A console is included with the detector to assist with image capture, preparing preview images, image processing and full-resolution display. Images can be transmitted as DICOM files to a PACS or storage device.
The DR detector can be used with standard off-the-shelf grid holders and grids for tabletop use. The console can also perform diagnostic testing on the detector’s performance.
The CARESTREAM DRX-1 System is expected to be available in many parts of the world during the first quarter of 2009.