What’s in a Brand Name? Explanation of CR Systems

Computed radiography (CR) utilizes a computed radiography system in order to display images. Instead of using imaging film, this technology uses an imaging plate (IP) that is composed of photostimulable storage phosphors. These photostimulable storage phosphors store radiation levels from electron energy. When the IP is ran through a scanner, it is converted to an electronic signal and in turn converted to a digital image.

This system has many advantages:

• Because images are digitally stored, decreased cost for film storage.
• Requires fewer retakes because of over- or under-exposure, meaning lower doses of radiation to patients.
• Faster image acquisition, many times available in less than 15 seconds.
• Ease of interpretation through digital enhancement.
• Costs the same or less than traditional radiography technology with the added benefit of environmental friendliness.

When shopping for this system, it is important to know what your needs are, as well as to know what manufacturers can be trusted. Fuji CR Systems and Carestream CR Systems have become well-trusted brands, and they come in many different models to fit the needs of any customer.

FUJI FGR XG5000: With a cassette stacker, this model has the capacity to process as many as 165 IPs per hour, which makes it perfect for high-volume, critical environments such as Trauma Centers. This model can also be configured with a Flash Plus IIP for placement in exam rooms or a Flash Lite IIP with a high-resolution monitor and image enhancement tools.

FUJI FCR CARBON: Requiring only 2.41 square feet of space, this model is ideal for low volume, less demanding work environments. It is easy to use and has high image quality. The compactness of the scanner allows it to be used in areas that have very limited space, are remote, under counters, or behind control panels in exam rooms.

FUJI FCR XC-2: Standing at 32″ tall and processing as many as 72 high-quality images per hour, this model is small and powerful, making it perfect for offices with small caseloads and off-site locations that send images to other practices. Because it only takes up 2.5 square feet of space, it can fit in any space in any exam room, under counters, or in remote offices.

FUJI FCR XL-2: Processing as many as 94 images per hour, this model is a great redundancy solution. It is also small in size, which makes it perfect for small offices or exam rooms. It also provides 10 pixel/mm resolution images.

DIRECTVIEW Elite System: This model is designed for high-volume, critical environment by rapidly providing high-quality images. It is also very compact, enabling it to be placed directly in x-ray rooms or limited spaces. With a central database linking to multiple workstations, productivity and patient turn around time are improved.

DIRECTVIEW Classic System: This model is a single-cassette, compact scanner, designed to increase workflow, productivity, and patient turn around. It also fits perfectly in any x-ray room or limited space and produces high-quality images.

DIRECTVIEW Max System: This model is designed to completely maximize workflow, productivity, and patient turn around. It also enables radiographers to forward images directly to other networks. In addition, it allows for easier loading of cassettes, enhanced software capabilities, and more options for placement.

Carestream Vita CR: Offering a compact design and an affordable price, this scanner is perfect for small or midsize clinics and hospitals in need of high quality images on a reasonable budget. It has three options for imaging speed that improve workflow.