Veterinary X-ray equipment is a fundamental and crucial need in veterinary clinical practice, where the veterinarian performs medical imaging exams and makes efficient diagnoses of the animal patient with acute conditions, chronic diseases, and emergencies such as injury or trauma. The X-ray exam is an effective and convenient way for the vet to make immediate and unambiguous diagnose from the images showing the hard and soft tissue, inner body structure, and potential lesions for review. Currently, there are commonly seem two types of veterinary X-ray equipment in different technologies using computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR).
The Working Principles of Veterinary CR and DR X-ray Systems
Both CR and DR X-ray systems are used for medical imaging exams around the world. Computed Radiography (CR) is an earlier technology where the cassette-based phosphor image plates record the digital signal and are then scanned by the reader to view the images from the computer system. While Digital Radiography (DR) system is a later technology, using the digital radiography detector to capture the X-ray signal and transfer the data directly to the connected computer system for immediate view, and available to perform advanced imaging processing functions to better assist the vet with the imaging diagnosis.
Which Is a Good Pick: The CR or DR Veterinary X-ray Equipment?
Image Quality
Veterinary X-ray equipment should produce clear, readable, and detailed images to assist in veterinary imaging diagnosis. In terms of image quality, the DR x-ray equipment could maintain stable image quality during usage from the dedicated mechanical design with a protective design for flat panel detectors, which is a key determinant in image quality. While the CR x-ray system using cassette-based phosphor image plates may be more prone to surface damage and scratches during use, which affects the image quality and signal transfer capabilities. Overall, the digital radiography system is a more durable option for maintaining a high-quality image.
X-ray Acquisition and Conversion
The way how the X-ray is captured and converted into the image varies between a CR and DR veterinary X-ray system. The CR system captures the X-ray via a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate in a cassette, which is then placed in a scanner or reader. Wait for 30 to 60 seconds after the PSP plate is scanned, then an accurate image appears on the workstation.
DR veterinary X-ray equipment produces images quickly without the use of a CR reader, instead relying on its flat panel detector (FPD). The scintillator in the DR panel converts an X-ray into visible light and then electrical signals which are read out from a photodiode connected to a thin-film transistor(TFT) switch. After analog/digital conversion and low noise amplification are performed, the image is ready for viewing within just seconds!
Image Processing Time
The CR system generally requires 5-7 minutes to produce the image, while the DR X-ray system produces the digital image within 1 minute or even shorter, which increases the imaging diagnosis throughput and allows more images.
Radiation Dose
The amount of radiation exposure using the two X-ray technologies also varies. The DR system features lower radiation exposure than the CR X-ray system, meaning that the former is able to provide a safer examination and practice for animal patients.
Equipment Cost
CR X-ray systems are less expensive than DR veterinary X-ray equipment in purchasing. However, despite higher initial costs, the DR X-ray system has lower maintenance costs than a CR X-ray system. That’s because the image plates of the CR X-ray system need to be changed on a frequent basis(every 12 to 30 months), while DR uses a flat panel detector which is more durable and lasts much longer (with an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years).
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the favorable innovative features of DR X-ray equipment make their equipment of choice an easy-to-use, low-maintenance, cost-effective, and time-saving veterinary X-ray equipment. You can get high-quality DR veterinary X-ray equipment for your pet clinic with ensured client satisfaction from SONTU. It is a reputable manufacturer and supplier of veterinary imaging equipment. Contact SONTU for more details and discussions.