CR - COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY
*CR CASSETTES (LIKE FILM CASSETTES) ARE REQUIRED

CR - COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY is very similar to the procedural method of film based radiography. The Image Receptor is a cassette with special Image Phosphors mounted inside. The cassette is positioned in the very same manner as conventional x-ray, either table top or table/wall bucky. During x-ray, the phosphors will capture x-ray photons that pass through the patient. The cassette with the phosphor plate (and recorded image) is then sent through the CR Reader. Inside the reader, a laser will energize the phosphors and they will release the photon energy. The energy emitted is captured by an analog digital converter (think scanner), and sent to the computer as a "digital radiograph".

CR is the least expensive method "to go digital" and for some time has been the preferred method for private practice physicians. The system simply replaces the processor, darkroom, and all of the costly consumables that are needed with conventional radiography. But wait… DR - DIRECT DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY is faster, better and cost are coming down!

DR - DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
*NO CASSETTES ARE REQUIRED

DR - Digital Radiography has typically been found in large Private Practice, Orthopedic and Hospital settings... DR is usually the most expensive method of "going digital" but it also affords the highest quality image because the x-ray photons are directly producing the image. In the Digital Flat Plate Technology, there is no medium as in CR with cassettes or CCD technology with the conversion of light energy.

The DR plate is a series of horizontal and vertical wires that compose a matrix to receive x-ray photons after they pass through the patient. The plate is mounted either in the wall or under the table (or both) to receive the image. During x-ray, the photons will penetrate through the patient and gather in the small squares or pixels. The number of photons in the square determines the darkness of the pixel on the image. The digital raidograph appears on the monitor in less that 6 seconds.

The DR plates are expensive to make, and are frequently purchased as a single Image Receptor (in the table or wall holder). The Plate is usually tethered to a cord that is connected to the computer and must be moved from the table bucky to the wall bucky for upright imaging. Some have considered this the weakest link in Digital Flat Plate Technology. Today, manufactures are receiving FDA clearance for wireless transmission which will eliminate the cord.

CLEARLY THERE ARE MANY ADVANTAGES TO DIGITAL IMAGING

The advent of digital imaging has created an overwhelming interest and many questions on the part of Practitioners. Just as with radiographic equipment, there are multiple choices in capturing digital images. For most, the ability to manipulate and share the image electronically along with elimination of the darkroom, processor, film, chemical and maintenance are on the top of the list of reasons to consider digital imaging. Digital imaging is quickly taking hold in the Medical, Chiropractic and Veterinary markets as costs have declined.

Digital radiology represents the greatest technological advancement in medical imaging over the last decade. The use of radiographic films in x ray imaging might become obsolete in a few years. An appropriate analogy that is easy to understand is the replacement of typical film cameras with digital cameras. Images can be immediately acquired, deleted, modified, and subsequently sent to a network of computers.

The benefits from digital radiology are enormous. It can make a radiological facility or department film-less. The referring physician can view the requested image on a desktop, laptop, tablet or a smart phone and often report in just a few minutes after the examination was performed. The images are no longer held in a single location; but can be seen simultaneously by physicians who are miles apart. In addition, the patient can have the x ray images on a compact disk to take to another physician or hospital.