Veterinary Digital Radiography Systems CostDigital Radiography

How Much Do Today’s Veterinary DR Systems Cost?

Let’s face it, everyone wants to jump right to the question of how much todays’ Digital Radiography (DR) systems cost. And most people want the answer quickly. Well here it is: somewhere between $25K and $50K. But that’s a big spread. So let’s re-focus the question where it should be: what are the things about a DR configuration that add cost to the system, and which of these things actually add value (vs. just perceived value): • X-ray Scintillator Material •…
soundvetweb
September 14, 2018
Digital Radiography

5 Advantages of Digital Radiography Every DVM Needs to Know

Digital radiography is a key development in diagnostic imaging that can help improve patient care, support better patient outcomes, expand consultation capabilities, and enhance client interaction. It has become the gold standard in the veterinary industry for over 15 years. It started as a very costly (>$100K) investment when first launched, but as it has become more mainstream, the modality has become more affordable. Here are the principal advantages over film-based radiography: • Image Quality • Cost Savings • Ease-of-Use…
soundvetweb
September 8, 2018
Digital Radiography

The In’s and Out’s of X-Ray Technique and Radiation Dose in the Digital World

Every Digital Radiography (DR) company provides a technique chart with their panels. These x-ray prescriptions have evolved over time from the days of film and as DR panels have evolved to be more sensitive. Most likely, the DR company has spent a good bit of time testing and optimizing these techniques to provide the best image quality for their panels. But what ARE these knobs (kVp and mAs) and what do they DO to your image quality for a variety…
soundvetweb
August 22, 2018
veterinary technology comparisonsDigital Radiography

Modern Digital Radiography Technology Comparison

The following is a high-level comparison of x-ray detector systems used in modern digital radiography. All have significant advantages to film radiography, but each produces its image in a different way. Presented are the basic mechanics, as well as the pros and cons of: • CCD • CR • “Direct” DR • “Indirect” DR
soundvetweb
August 18, 2018
Digital Radiography

What to Look for in a Veterinary DR System: The Top 8 Questions to Ask

No veterinarian wants to spend $60,000 or more on a digital radiography (DR) system just to find out later that they overpaid for underperformance. In the same vein, you wouldn’t want to purchase a system for $15,000 or $20,000 only to discover that it uses outdated technology and will need to be replaced in three to five years. The secret to getting the most value and highest returns from your DR system is to view the purchase as a long-term…
soundvetweb
August 8, 2018
gads vs cesiumDigital Radiography

The Scintillator Question: Gadox vs Cesium

With the steadily increasing number of flat panel digital x-ray detector suppliers in the veterinary space, a lot of the “tech” talk is being watered down into “sales” talk and the true differences in technology are being skewed. With that in mind, this article is dedicated to deciphering one of the principal distinctions in flat panel hardware: scintillator materials. Here we will discuss the details of: • X-ray absorption • Implications in radiation dose • Manufacturing • Cost
soundvetweb
July 31, 2018
Digital Radiography

DR Flat Panels – Which Side is Up?

Within the subset of indirect DR systems there has been a very recent split in fundamental architecture. Fujifilm has brought a major change to the market with their Irradiation-Side Sampling (ISS) architecture. Here we will discuss the fundamental differences as it pertains to: • Scintillator Placement • X-Ray Absorption Location • Artifacts • Hardware vs. Software
soundvetweb
July 10, 2018
Digital Radiography

Common Problems with Veterinary Digital Radiography Systems and How to Avoid Them

As one of your practice’s most expensive capital investments, your digital radiography (DR) unit should be a consistent source of revenue long after you’ve made the purchase. But there are a many factors to consider when buying a DR system, and overlooking just one of them could wipe out your return on investment, not to mention negatively affect your patient care. You may already know that the detector panel is the most expensive component of a DR system, and a…
soundvetweb
June 18, 2018