State of the art digital imaging systems up, running in radiology

  • Published
  • By Steve Pivnick
  • 81st Medical Group Public Affairs
Keesler Medical Center's radiology flight boasts two new, state-of-the art digital systems.
Installation of the Imaging Dynamic Company 1590 Explorer digital systems was completed earlier this month, followed by a week of company-provided training for radiology technologists to use the equipment.
 
The major benefit of the new system is its efficiency, according to Chief Master Sgt. James North, radiology flight chief and Air Force radiology career field manager.
"No plate is used, so the turnaround time is substantially reduced. An image can be taken and sent to a review station in three to six seconds," the chief said.
He noted other department equipment still uses the plates, but film no longer is involved in X-ray procedures. 

Chief North added that based on Air Force plans, each new unit replaces two of the older X-ray rooms. 

The new system actually was ordered in 2004, but Hurricane Katrina's impact on the medical center delayed actual installation, according to the chief. In the meantime, the equipment had been improved, allowing the facility to obtain the most current system.