Ontario’s Lakeridge Health installed three CARESTREAM DRX-Revolution Mobile X-ray Systems (see video link) to help staff members capture digital radiography exams for patients in the emergency department and intensive care units, as well as inpatients.
Two imaging systems are installed at Lakeridge Health Oshawa and the third is deployed at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville.
hese systems are used to capture images of the chest, abdomen and extremities in addition to cross-table exams.
“This installation was part of a technology upgrade designed to help improve care for critically ill patients. DRX-Revolution systems deliver access to X-ray images in just a few seconds so physicians can make immediate diagnostic and treatment decisions,” said Lydia Antalfy, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Lakeridge Health.
“Carestream’s software also provides a companion image that delivers optimized visualization of tubes and lines, which allows physicians to immediately verify placement and reposition them if needed,” she adds.
Converting to DR technology has reduced exposure rates by approximately 30 percent, according to Antalfy. “Reducing X-ray exposure is especially important for critical care patients since they are often imaged frequently to track the status of their condition,” she reports.
Each new portable imaging system is equipped with a CARESTREAM DRX Plus detector, which delivers higher DQE* (detective quantum efficiency) to enable improved image quality and lower dose.
In addition, DRX Plus detectors can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes without failure, which achieves IPX Level 7 rating for liquid resistance and the IEC standard 60529. A reduced weight and thinner profile allow even easier handling.
Prior to making this purchase, staff members evaluated portable imaging systems from leading suppliers at the 2015 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) tradeshow. “Our technologists selected the DRX-Revolution because of its excellent image quality, collapsible column, easy maneuverability and intuitive user interface,” Antalfy said. Training time for the new system was about 10 to 30 minutes, which expedited implementation, she added.
*As compared to Carestream’s DRX-1 Detector
Lakeridge Health has 15 sites in the Durham Region, including three hospitals with emergency rooms (Oshawa, Bowmanville and Port Perry) and one specialty hospital (Whitby). Lakeridge Health in Oshawa is one of Ontario's largest community hospitals. A
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