Kodak DirectView CR 850 system:

Fast, Productive X-ray Imaging

Processing more images in less time facilitates increased productivity for better patient care. That's the hallmark of the Kodak DirectView CR 850 system, designed to generate radiography images faster than its predecessor, the CR 800, so that hospitals and diagnostic image centers can complete more examinations daily, and physicians can quickly evaluate patients and begin treatment with confidence.

Although photographic film has been used to record X-ray images for more than a century, medical professionals have long sought tools and techniques to enhance the quality and usefulness of images, and the speed and accuracy with which they are produced. Kodak is experienced in the area of computed radiography (CR), which has become the prevalent means to digitally capture x-ray images. Instead of film, CR uses an imaging plate coated with storage phosphors to capture X-rays as they pass through the patient.

After this exposure, the plate is "read," or scanned with a laser beam, which stimulates the phosphors to release visible light in proportion and corresponding to the local X-ray exposure. This light is captured and converted into an electrical signal, which is converted to data that can be recorded on laser-printed film or transmitted and stored digitally, as well as manipulated or enhanced - for example, to show greater image contrast, sharper edges, or tissue only. CR expands and expedites image availability, can reduce image retakes and duplication costs, while improving workflow and productivity as compared to traditional film screen.

Expertise in Image Science

To speed up image processing, Kodak put to work its expertise in image science, especially image capture and translation from light to meaningful data. With bolstered performance, the DirectView CR 850 system produces final images more quickly than its predecessor (the CR 800), printing the first image on film in less than 130 seconds using a Kodak DryView 8700 laser imager. The new system also can process more images in less time, extracting and digitizing content from up to 104 cassettes per hour for the 18X24 cm cassette size

Kodak's image science also leads to better quality images that contribute to higher standards for diagnosis. The DirectView CR 850 system has state-of-the-art image processing built-in. Developed by Kodak's world-class image scientists, DirectView PTS (perceptual tone scale) software supports increased diagnostic confidence and reduced reading time. Technicians using the DirectView CR 850 system can process images automatically to the desired appearance, and then forward them directly to a laser imager, diagnostic workstation, or storage for later review, depending on physicians' needs and preferences. Just as importantly, the system minimizes potential for errors, by preventing archiving of images without approval, and by alerting technicians to incomplete patient data. In addition, optional DirectView EVP software takes image quality and diagnostic confidence to a new level, providing extended image latitude without loss of detail contrast.

Greater Efficiency

Emergency rooms and intensive care units require efficiency and productivity to address the high volume of patients requiring various treatment needs. The Kodak Directview CR 850 system, ideal for distributed applications, supports improved workflow and productivity with a streamlined design that enables users to place it where its needed most. Image capture, production, storage and review are combined in a single unit, making better use of a critical resource: floor space. The DirectView CR 850 system includes storage phosphor reader, patient/exam/cassette ID, image review monitor, and image processing technology built into a unit with a 25x29-inch (in this instance, also quote the cm equivalent since we used cm above) footprint that can easily go where it's most needed.

Medical facility efficiency and productivity can be positively impacted by ease-of-use features offered with CR. For example, although CR systems do not use film, their storage phosphor plates take the familiar form of conventional radiography cassettes and the Kodak DirectView CR 850 system can reprocess images if necessary during review, enhancing the likelihood of reductions in cost, time and repeat exposures. Furthermore, its intuitive interface is easy to learn and facilitates incorporation of CR into existing radiography systems. In addition, Kodak DirectView CR system interface is designed for consistent operation on its CRs and DRs, facilitating a smooth transition to Kodak DirectView digital radiography (DR) systems, or other Kodak DirectView CR systems.

Through capture and conversion of radiographic images to digital data, CR has brought a greater degree of sharing and collaboration to the healthcare profession. Now, with just a network connection, the CR system easily allows physicians the ability to share diagnostic images and increase productivity, supporting improved patient care.