Successful use of the CARESTREAM DRX-1 System has led to a change in imaging strategy for Flemish-speaking UZ Brussel Hospital in Belgium, one of seven prestigious university hospitals in the country.
Plans for the new Emergency Department currently under construction will now include the purchase of an additional CARESTREAM DRX-1 System, explained head of the Radiology Department Professor Dr Johan De Mey. "We anticipate that imaging capacity in the new department will double over current figures with an estimated capability of treating 300-400 patients daily. Instead of two dedicated radiology rooms, which would take space and not be occupied 100% of the time, another DRX-1 System will be purchased to add to the one already in successful use at the hospital. The one fixed room will be used for fluoroscopy and high-end imaging with the two DRX-1 Systems becoming mobile X-ray rooms, going wherever imaging is required. This will result in cost savings, workflow efficiencies and increased patient comfort."
The hospital first partnered with Carestream over a decade ago with the implementation of PACS and with the introduction of the DRX family of solutions, has now finally achieved full digital workflow with the final conversion of the current Emergency Department and Intensive Care. Conversion of these areas was achieved by upgrading existing Siemens and Phillips mobiles from phosphor plates to high quality DR technology using the DRX-1 Retrofit Kit.
"A suitable wireless solution was not available until Carestream came up with DRX-1 technology," said Medical Physics Doctor Professor Nico Buls. "A wireless capability was very important to us as wires compromise sterile environments such as Intensive Care. The instant image feedback provides our clinicians the ability to perform imaging guided procedures without moving the patients from the bed to the Radiology department."
"Carestream's introduction of the DRX-1 Detector meant that we could easily and cost effectively upgrade our existing mobile equipment," added Professor Dr Johan De Mey. "Conversion was undertaken seamlessly, in less than a day, and straight away we saw workflow improvements as a result of immediate access to images. The primary benefit is that procedures take less time and the patient is helped more quickly."
Carestream's DRX family includes: CARESTREAM DRX-1 System, CARESTREAM DRX-Mobile Retrofit Kit, CARESTREAM DRX-Evolution modular DR suite, CARESTREAM DRX-Transportable System; and CARESTREAM DRX-Ascend System.
DRX-based systems offer compelling options since these wireless detectors can be used in multiple X-ray systems at a facility. For example, a detector can be used in a mobile unit for early morning hospital rounds and then moved to a general radiology room. DRX detectors can also move from day use in general radiology rooms to mobile systems that serve the ED at night. Carestream refers to the versatility of its DRX detectors as the "X-Factor."
The exceptional flexibility and image quality offered by the DRX family of digital X-ray systems makes these solutions an ideal fit for general radiography exams including orthopedic, trauma and pediatric as well as other specialty care environments.
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Carestream Health is a worldwide provider of dental and medical imaging systems and healthcare IT solutions; molecular imaging systems for life science research and drug discovery/development; X-ray film and digital X-ray systems for non-destructive testing; and advanced materials for the precision films and electronics markets.