Sunday, August 14, 2011

Computed Radiography (CR) in Radiology Applications

What is Computed radiography (CR)?
Computed radiography (CR) is a cost-effective solution to move from analog to digital imaging. With computed radiography (CR) the transition to digital is completed by installing computed radiography (CR) readers and replacing X-ray cassettes (which use X-ray film) with computed radiography (CR) cassettes (which use imaging plates). The imaging plates are exposed and inserted into the computed radiography (CR) reader. The computed radiography (CR) reader scans the plates, digitally displays the image on the workstation, and erases the imaging plate for reuse.

Computed radiography (CR) is a mature technology, which was developed in the middle of the twentieth century. It is currently in use in medical centers around the world. In many cases, it has replaced the process of taking X-rays on film in order to produce digital images. With these, better quality scans are possible, in shorter times, and with wider availability for study. The technology is found not only in medicine and dentistry, but in other areas, such as manufacturing for safety testing and analysis.

Traditional radiography, in use since its invention by W.C. Roentgen, in 1885, stores images on a photographic plate. Computed radiography (CR) can use existing X-ray equipment to take pictures but stores the images on a plate with phosphors that are activated and retained when the image is taken. A laser is used to scan the plate, which is converted to digital format. The results are then fed directly into a computer for interpretation. This simplifies the whole process, since no photographic development process is involved, meaning no dark rooms are necessary.

Since the early 1990s, it has become technically possible and economically feasible for digital imaging technologies to challenge film for projection radiography. This was made possible by certain prerequisite technological advances, such as high-luminance and high-resolution display monitors, combined with high-performance computer workstations which, though still costly, are now readily available. Electronic image archives that can efficiently store and retrieve the massive amounts of image data generated by projection radiography are becoming increasing cost- effective.

High-speed electronic networks with bandwidth adequate to transmit image files wherever and whenever needed are now accepted as an essential infrastructure component in health care.

Until the past few years, storage phosphor-based computed radiography (CR) has been the best alternative for acquiring digital projection radiography images. Computed radiography (CR) has the advantage of being fully compatible with existing x-ray equipment designed for film screen imaging. However, computed radiography (CR) has the disadvantage of requiring readout and processing steps that take about the same time as conventional film to obtain a diagnostically different has entered the medical imaging market, offering a new standard for digital x-ray image capture: digital radiography flat panel, solid state detectors with integrated, thin film transistor readout mechanisms.

Computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) have many similarities. Both computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) use a medium to capture x-ray energy and both produce a digital image that can be enhanced for soft copy diagnosis or further review. Both computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) can also present an image within seconds of exposure. Computed radiography (CR) generally involves the use of a cassette that houses the imaging plate, similar to traditional film screen systems, to record the image; while digital radiography (DR) typically captures the image directly onto a flat panel detector without the use of a cassette. Image processing or enhancement can be applied on digital radiography (DR) images as well as computed radiography (CR) images due to the digital format of each.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Computed Radiography (CR)
Computed radiography (CR) has its unique advantages:
1. Cost-effective solution for upgrading old X-ray equipment.
2. No silver-based film or chemicals are required to process films.
3. Reduced film storage costs, as the images are stored digitally.
4. Image brightness and contrast can be adjusted after the exposure.
5. Image can be processed and enhanced at any time after the exposure.

However, computed radiography (CR) has also some distinct disadvantages:
1. Manual handling of the cassette housing.
2. Imaging plates are expensive and can be easily damaged.
3. Inherent geometric lack of sharpness results in lower spatial resolution, as compared to film images.
4. Low signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity to scattered radiation.

Moving to Digital with Computed Radiography (CR)
Changing healthcare needs require tomorrow's diagnostic imaging service provider to rapidly produce the highest quality images, transmit them broadly, display them in alternative ways, and computed radiography (CR) image systems are an important element in this all-digital vision.

With digital image systems, the image data sent to workstations, printers, and archives is always identical to the original.

With improved workflow and increased efficiency, the all-digital radiology department will help hospitals, imaging centers, private practices, and clinics realize the full benefits of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS).

The top marketplace for medical equipment and Computed Radiography (CR) and other imaging equipment, www.medwow.com, has firmly established its place in the international market. MedWOW.com provides good-quality computed radiography (CR) image systems in a safe and secure trading environment. When purchasing or selling a computed radiography (CR), MedWOW has the market, the platform and the buyers. MedWOW has recently upgraded its medical equipment catalogue with various manufacturers, refurbished equipment and new and used computed radiography (CR) systems.

 

About the Author

MedWOW medical Equipment offers medical systems & parts for hospitals and clinics all around the world. To learn more about CR Systems please visit our site medwow.com

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Medical Equipment Consumer Guides: Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Equipment

Coming up with certain medical equipment consumer guides pointers can be pretty complicated, for there are simply a lot of factors that one should consider in choosing pieces of medical equipment. Fortunately, there are some main considerations that you may look into in making the overall process simpler and more productive for yourself. Here are a handful of medical equipment consumer guides considerations that will help you choose the best options in the market. With these pieces of information, investing in certain medical equipment should be easier than ever.

Medical Equipment Consumer Guides Pointer 1

First, make sure that you look through the various online sources that can provide you with the different types of equipment that you need. There are various medical websites that are specifically put up with the purpose of giving people access to the best equipment involved in the field of medical care. However, it may be a good idea to limit your choices to providers that are near your immediate area. This way, you can check out the equipment personally before buying them, and you can ensure that you would be spending your money on high quality pieces.

Medical Equipment Consumer Guides Pointer 2

If you find out that the best options belong to a brand that you are not familiar with, you can choose between two courses of actions. First, you can settle for a second choice, which would be the brand that you are more familiar with; or second, can choose an unfamiliar brand, one that is said to be the best in the field, even though you are not entirely sure that you would be able to use it for its full benefit. This choice highly depends on your philosophy. If you think that you will be able to learn the ropes of an unfamiliar device in a short span of time, then you should go for the latter option.

Medical Equipment Consumer Guides Pointer 3

Limit your choices to brands that rank better than the others when it comes to giving their clients good customer support and help. Since you need your equipment to be as accurate and efficient as possible, you should see to it that you would have your device replaced or fixed if there is an immediate need for it. This pointer holds true for brands that are unfamiliar to you, for you may need to get certain forms of help in using the equipment in the future.

Medical Equipment Consumer Guides Pointer 4

Finally, make sure that you allot enough funds for this professional endeavour. Cutting corners is note really advisable for the best equipment is usually the ones that are sold for higher prices. For this reason, it is imperative that you set aside enough funds to afford the best options in the market. Of course, you can choose to buy used or refurbished medical equipment if you are really low on funds, for they are known to perform quite well and to last for a long time too.

About the Author

Are you ready to learn more about medical equipment consumer guides? Visit http://www.medicalpulse.com/ for more information.

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Factors to Look into When you Buy Medical Equipment

Before you buy medical equipment, you would obviously need to perform the right amount of research that will lead you to making the best possible choice. However, doing research on a topic that you do not know a lot about can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, there are certain factors that you may look into in order to make the process of assessing the different medical equipment options that are available to you. Try to find the necessary pieces of information about these factors and use them to decide which brands and models will work best for you. With these guidelines, you would be able to find the models that will help you hone your skills and do a good job in building your practice.

One of the foremost factors that you should check out before your buy medical equipment is the public opinion that the medical field has about the various brands and models that are in the market. Since they have spent quite a lot of time in the field, there is no doubt that medical experts will know which pieces of equipment will be the best and which ones will present the most problems. Join online forums and groups and try to get a clear idea of what the experts think about the machines that you are planning to buy. This will not only help you ensure that you would be investing your funds on the best options, but it will also help you minimize the chances that you would be having problems in using your equipment in the future.

When you buy medical equipment, it is also highly advised that you limit your choices to brand manufacturers that have a good customer service system. This is an important consideration when you buy any type of device, and it is an important aspect when you choose among the different medical equipment in the market. This feature will allow you to have peace of mind in knowing that you will get the right type of help that you would need in using your equipment, if ever you have some difficulties with it. A good customer care system will allow you to ensure that you will be able to have your medical equipment replaced or repaired, if ever you start having problems when you use it.

Finally, make sure that you will invest only on pieces of medical equipment that are provided only by reputable sources. After all, why would you even consider buying your equipment from a supplier that seems shady and not trustworthy? There are a lot of sources that you may use to find which stores and providers will give you the most benefits when you buy medical equipment. To be on the safe side, ask your peers about equipment providers that they can recommend and consider buying from them. With enough research to back you up, you should be able to find an equipment store that will give you easy access to all the device that you need for your specific field.

About the Author

Are you ready to learn more about where to buy medical equipment? Visit http://www.medicalpulse.com/ for more information.

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Guidelines When Purchasing New Medical Equipment

During these days, there are a lot of different stores that offer medical equipment for use in clinics or for patients who require the use of new medical equipment at home. Since majority of these medical devices are available at a high price, you need to be very cautious in the process of buying them. Going for the wrong item will only tend to put your hard-earned money into waste. Thus, this article will provide you with some helpful tips that you can apply in order to make your purchase of new equipment a great success.

The very first consideration that you have to make when deciding to buy a new medical equipment is you're the availability of your budget. Because majority of these medical devices come with very high costs, you have to be wise in spending your hard-earned money for the device. Keep yourself from spending for a device that will exceed your budget as this will only tend to drain your pocket. Make sure to spend your money wisely but there is also a need to put concern on the medical equipment's quality that you are considering to buy.

Another thing that you should do when buying new medical equipment is to search for some information about the equipment that you are considering to buy. You may use online resources and browse through the information available regarding the other options of the medical device that you are looking into, including the price, the added features, the functions and most importantly, the specifications. This will provide you with a better picture in mind on the device that you are considering to purchase.

Furthermore, after having complete information regarding a specific medical device that you are considering to purchase, the next thing that you have to do is to look for a store that sells the device that you are considering to buy. Because medical equipment stores are available in a lot of areas these days, you will most likely to have a lot of chances to find the best store that gives the best quality of device and also a great deal that you have been wishing for.

If you cannot seem to find a store near you that offers the new medical equipment that you are considering buying, you may opt to shop online. During these days, there are a lot of online stores that provide you with the ease of buying a particular item, although you could be most likely to be located far from them. These stores usually send the product through shipping, so you do not have to go to their place to take that new medical equipment that you want to purchase.

Lastly, when buying new medical equipment do not forget to check the warranty. In the first year, this warranty would be very essential for you during your actual usage of the device. So if you find any form of defects or if the device is impaired prior to the first year of use, you may complain to the store where you bought it and you will obtain claim damages from them.

About the Author

Are you ready to learn more about new medical equipment? Visit http://www.medicalpulse.com/ for more information.

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