DIGITAL IMAGING SYSTEMS
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| Overview: | Digital imaging systems
have proven to significantly reduce the time, expense, health risks, and
environmental compliance issues associated with traditional x-ray film
chemical development. There are several methods of forming digital images.
One is the direct method, in which the image is obtained using a digital
image receptor attached directly to a computer. An other is an indirect
method, where the image is transformed from analog to digital using a
video camera or other digitizer system, then displayed on a computer.
There are also several other methods of acquiring a
digital image, i.e, CT, MRI, Nuc Med, CR. Digital Direct
Radiography (DDR) uses a charge-coupled device (CCD) array that is
sensitive to x-rays. The CCD captures an image similar to that appearing
on normal x-ray film; however, the digital image is instantly stored in
the computer and is immediately available for display and review on a
monitor. This is only one vendors approach to the
technologies used for direct radiography.
With digital imaging systems, there is no film processing and
therefore, no need to purchase x-ray film or developing chemicals, and
there is no waste to dispose.
Several military units have been using digital imaging systems to replace wet film processing in medical, dental, non-destructive inspection (NDI), and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) applications. Major advantages of digital images include large dynamic range of information and the ability to window and level. It is not limited to one contrast “snap shot.” Digital images can be enhanced with changes in gray scale and filters, allowing improvement of different regions within the same image. Since images are stored electronically, they are readily available for retrieval, plus they can be sent electronically to physically separate locations for consultation or review. Wet x-ray processing exposes technicians to the chemicals necessary for developing the film. These chemicals eventually reach the end of their usefulness and must be disposed of as hazardous wastes, and fresh chemicals must be purchased and stocks maintained. Because spills may occur, the organization is required to develop and maintain a spill contingency plan. Further detailed information on digital imaging can be obtained from the Digital Radiography home page at: http://www.bh.rmit.edu.au/mrs/DigitalRadiography/ |
| Compliance Benefit: | Because digital
imaging eliminates the use of chemicals used in wet film development, the
system will help facilities meet requirements under RCRA, 40 CFR
260-268, SARA Title III, and Executive Order 12856,
"Federal Compliance with Right-to-Know and Pollution
Prevention." The use of X-ray digital imaging also helps
facilities comply with Executive Order 13101, "Greening the
Government through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal
Acquisition." This EO requires Federal facilities to
incorporate waste prevention and recycling into daily operations to
increase efficiency and reduce disposal of wastes.
The Compliance Benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved. |
| Materials Compatibility: | Digital imaging systems use specialized computer components in addition to conventional desktop computers. The specialized components are necessary because of the large amount of information contained in digital images, and the high capacity storage that provides the ability to manipulate and enhance the images. The cost of a digital imaging system can be reduced if your organization already has desktop computers. These can be connected to the digital imaging system so that images can be accessed from these desktop computers. Medical images are enormous files and are their transfer is limited by network bandwidth. |
| Safety and Health: | Wet x-ray processing
exposes technicians to the chemicals necessary for developing the film.
Use of a digital imaging system would be a step toward protecting workers,
patients, and the environment through reduction in use of hazardous
chemicals. Another important issue with the use of a digital imaging
system is a significant reduction in the amount of hazardous chemical
wastes produced. Consult your local industrial health specialist and
your local health and safety personnel prior to implementing this
technology. |
| Benefits: |
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| Disadvantages: |
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| Economic Analysis: | This cost analysis
was extracted from an NSWC Indian Head, Maryland, report. The data was
collected between May 1998 and April 1999. The instrumentation involved
was the Fuji Digital Radiography System and the Virtual Media Integration
software package. The application was in Ordnance.
2. Digital Radiography
* This category does not include film for some studies, networkig costs, e.g., T-1 line to transmit images to other sites for interpretation, archive media, or CR devices, which require replacement of Image Plates and Cassettes after approximately 1000 uses.
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| Approving Authority: | None. |
| NSN/MSDS: | None. |
| Points of Contact: | Navy: Mr. Raymond Wendrzycki Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Highway 547 Mail Stop: RDW-482200B562-3 Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5130 Phone: (732) 323-1666 DSN: 624-1666 FAX: (732-323-4917
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| Vendors: | This is not meant to be a
complete list, as there are other manufacturers of this type of
equipment.
Purchase Information for DoD
Components: Medical Eastman Kodak Co. Health Imaging AGFA Corporation Marconi Medical Systems Swissray America Incorporated Philips Medical Systems Dental Sirona U.S.A. GENDEX Division - A Division of DentSply PerkinElmer Opto Electronics Non-Destructive Inspection
(NDI) American NDT Products Inc. PerkinElmer Optoelectronics Explosive Ordnance Disposal
(EOD)
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| Sources: | Dr. Cindy Elmora, Lackland
AFB, TX, October 2001. Preproduction Initiative – NELP “Digital Radiographic System (Ordnance Application) Cost Analysis,” NSWC Indian Head, Maryland, May 98-Apr 99 “Digital Radiography – A Pollution Prevention Success Story with Teeth,” HQ AFCEE/EQ (PRO-ACT), CrossTalk Edition #42, Nov 97 “Air Force Medical Service Model Cost Reduction Opportunity and Pollution Prevention Plan,” Sep 00 “Aircraft Maintenance Pollution Prevention Model Shop Report,” Jan 00 “Digital Dental Radiology – A Summary,” E. Arana and L. Marti-Bonmati (undated) “The Denoptix System – Practical Digital Radiography for the Orthodontist,” Dr. Jon Menig (undated) “A Digital Radiography Experience,” Dr. S. Mancuso (undated) “Digital Radiography Captures X-ray Images in Computer Format,” Technology Profiles (undated) “Digital Imaging Heralds Waning of Film Era,” QuadTech, Jan 1999 “Digital Radiology” (from World Wide Web) “Digital Radiography Home Page,” http://www.bh.rmit.edu.au/mrs/DigitalRadiography Eastman Kodak Company Schick Technologies Inc. Canon U.S.A. Inc. Sirona Dental Co |
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