Veterinarians looking to upgrade their x-ray unit may wonder if a flat panel x-ray detector is worth the investment.
While the decision may vary from practice to practice, a flat panel detector does offer several advantages—not only to x-ray image quality, but also to improving efficiency when trying to fit x-ray studies into a busy day.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of those advantages, and how they can improve workflow and help a veterinary practice maximize their return on their x-ray equipment investment.
What Is a Flat Panel X-Ray Detector and How Does It Work?
To understand what a flat panel detector is, it’s first important to understand your options when it comes to a digital upgrade for your x-ray equipment.
When upgrading from film or from older CR, CCD and Flat Panels to newer digital technology, digital options include CR (computed radiography) and DR (direct digital radiography).
CR is also known as phosphor plates. While they can produce high-quality digital images, they are generally not as efficient as DR because the plates must be put through a reader to capture the image, which takes nearly the same amount of time as processing a film radiograph. In addition, CRs have a lot of moving parts including cassettes that need to be replaced and over time can cost you more than a Flat Panel.
Veterinary DR technology, on the other hand, most commonly refers to a flat panel x-ray detector.
A flat panel detector is a sensor that captures high quality digital images nearly instantaneously, in a matter of seconds.
Flat panels work by converting x-rays into an electric charge, either directly (x-ray photons are converted directly into a charge) or indirectly (x-ray electrons are converted into light and then into an electric charge), depending on the specific technology used in the panel.
Then, the final image is read out by a detector layer within the panel—a pixel layer that is similar to the sensor of a digital camera and produces an image about as quickly as a digital camera does.
Is a Flat Panel X-Ray Detector Efficient?
One thing about flat panel detectors compared to film and CR technology is this: Flat panel detectors are MUCH faster at producing an image!
Plus, digital software typically allows for fast input of patient information and automatic x-ray settings for each type of study/part of the body being studied. All of this can save time, too.
Image quality remains high when using a flat panel x-ray detector—so there is no compromise in image quality due to the speed of the technology.
So, how does this all affect daily usage of the x-ray system? Here are some of the ways…
What Are the Benefits of Using a Flat Panel X-Ray Detector?
Given the rapid speed at which a flat panel detector can capture an image, a DR upgrade can certainly improve efficiency and workflow when it comes to x-ray studies.
In fact, many vets have noted that their practice actually does MORE x-ray studies after upgrading—which helps the practice’s bottom line by maximizing the profit from their x-ray equipment investment.
While their team was already efficient, having images produced in a matter of seconds makes things go even faster. This allows the team to fit in more studies in less time, which is also nice for the pets, who don’t have to be on the x-ray table for so long.
Digital technology also reduces retakes because digital x-rays are more forgiving of imperfect technique than film. And less retakes means less radiation exposure for patients and staff. Those retakes that do need to be taken are completed much faster than with film or CR, as problems can be seen immediately and corrected before you even take your next x-ray.
Digital radiographs also allow for easy sharing of images with clients or specialists for consultation.
And a DR upgrade may be a great fit for vets who need portability for their radiographs, such as mobile or large/mixed animal practitioners, since there is less equipment (no need for a separate developer or reader) to carry with them.
Conclusion
The best choice for x-ray equipment will vary from practice to practice, factoring in their caseload, budget, and personal preferences. And quality varies from company to company, so be sure to do your homework, no matter which type of technology you are purchasing.
But given the many advantages, it’s worth looking into veterinary DR systems with a flat panel detector to see if they’re a good fit for your practice.
Editor’s note: Learn more about our high-quality flat panel x-ray detectors, and the benefits they can add to your veterinary practice, here.
