This article is sponsored content brought to you by ATX Veterinary Solutions.
At ATX we know how critical it is to provide imaging solutions that can achieve quality diagnostic images. The ATX Ultra 99V DR system launched in December 2020 delivers superior imaging quality and the option to be equipped with a medical grade greyscale monitor and flat panel detector with pixel pitch of 99 microns providing a clearer image of the anatomy especially where bone is present. See the below test images taken by one of our customers.
With that said, digital radiography has changed the game of small animal radiography in the last decade. Although some practices still prefer computed radiography and others the more cumbersome path of developing X-ray film the step towards digital in veterinary medicine has increased dramatically. As most clinicians know the primary objective for conducting any radiographic study is to obtain high quality diagnostic images.
Now a more affordable choice for veterinarian’s digital radiography has revolutionised radiology with improved image quality, reduced need for repeat exposures, immediate viewing, ability to manipulate images and the convenience of being able to electronically transmit data to a storage medium i.e. cloud or local PACS server, and the ability to transfer images to external parties or others within your network. So what features or techniques matter in digital X-ray imaging for diagnostic purposes? Here are a few that we wanted to highlight:
Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) is a variable that determines how efficiently a digital radiography converts the X-ray input signal into a useful output image. It looks at the effects of noise and contrast on the acquired image. DR technology only requires half the amount of X-rays to produce clear images so your patients will be exposed to lower radiation levels compared with older technology.
Signal to noise ratio (SNR) or similarly the Exposure Index in a high-quality image consists of more signal and less noise. So high SNR will be able to capture the most useful image information and provide a higher quality image. Therefore, it is important to have the correct factors (kVp and mAs) when shooting certain parts of the anatomy to obtain a good quality image.
Software and Image processing after an exposure, the raw imaging data must be processed for display on the computer. This is a fundamental feature of digital radiography which will influence the way the image is viewed by veterinarians and/or referring parties. This process is used to improve image quality by reducing noise, removing technical artefacts and to optimise the image for viewing.
Positioning technique and more importantly correct positioning is key in achieving diagnostic images of your patients. Positioning aids including sand bags and foams pads can be used to minimise the need for personnel to physically hold an animal in position.
We provide a wide range of positioning aids and sand-bags that can be directly purchased through our website at atxvet.com.au/products-consumables/positioning-aids/.
To find out more about our imaging solutions visit www.atxvet.com.au
