title: Digital x-ray systems. Part 2. An overview of digital radiography concepts and an evaluation of cassetteless DX systems.
abstract: In this article, we conclude our two-part series on digital x-ray (DX) systems, which we began in our August 2001 issue. Part 2 includes an overview of some important digital radiography concepts, as well as the results of our testing of three cassetteless DX systems. The Technology Overview discusses new radiographic concepts pertaining specifically to DX systems, as well as how established measures of image quality apply to DX technology. These concepts will help buyers objectively compare systems and will help healthcare facilities realize the greatest benefits from digital radiography. Our product testing covers three cassetteless DX systems from three suppliers. We looked at whether these systems provide at least the same amount of diagnostic information as conventional screen-film systems while significantly increasing the efficiency of the radiology department and the entire healthcare facility. We rate all the evaluated systems Acceptable but consider two to be superior, based on the overall versatility of one and the user interface of the other.
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D014481:United States