Digital x-ray systems. Part 1. An introduction to DX technologies and an evaluation of cassette DX systems

Film is an effective means for capturing diagnostic information. However, film images cannot be easily integrated into a digital communication system. Thus, as the number of healthcare facilities moving toward a digital work-flow increases, so too does the interest in digital x-ray (DX) systems, which produce images as collections of digital data, rather than as static films. In this first part of our two-part series on DX systems, we present an overview of DX technology, we review the cost factors to consider when deciding whether to invest in DX technology, we offer guidance to help facilities determine which type of system--cassette or cassetteless--will best meet their needs, and we evaluate cassette DX systems from four suppliers. Part 2 of our series, which features an evaluation of cassetteless DX systems, will be published later this year. Our testing of DX systems identifies whether a system can provide at least the same amount of diagnostic information as a screen-film system while significantly increasing the efficiency of operations. We found all the evaluated systems to be effective, but we rank the systems from two suppliers above the others because their user interfaces allow easier and more efficient operation.