CR (Digital Radiography) System
June 2007
Computerised Radiography (CR) has been implemented across all Barwon Health medical imaging sites. The new Fuji CR system replaces the traditional photographic system that has been used for more than 100 years. Barwon Health is a lead agency in the DHS funded Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) system which will be implemented later this year.
There are a number of advantages of the new CR technology. Radiation dose to patients is significantly reduced using the new digital x-ray system. The image receptor is more sensitive to radiation and the wider recording latitude results in a reduction in repeat exposures. The amount of diagnostic information recorded in the image is also increased and examination times for patients will potentially be faster. Radiographers are very excited about using the new digital technology although it is with a tinge of sadness that we say goodbye to darkrooms, films and processors!
In the latter half of 2007 digital images will be stored and distributed via the PACS system. The decommissioning of our photographic x-ray film processors will lead to estimated water savings in excess of 200,000 litres per year. Importantly from an environment waste point of view we will no longer have the problem of handling and disposing of photographic chemical waste products.