ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 7 — Managers of the radiology department at West Virginia University Hospital (Morgantown, W.Va.) implemented seven CARESTREAM DRX-1 Systems and four CARESTREAM DRX-Mobile Retrofit kits to streamline a growing workflow while improving image quality at the 531-bed tertiary care center. The systems were purchased from Centura X-Ray of Cleveland, Ohio, a Quantum Medical Imaging authorized dealer in the U.S.
“We wanted the immediate image access and image quality offered by wireless DR detectors, but it didn’t make sense to replace fully functioning in-room and portable imaging systems. Carestream’s family of DRX systems offered us an affordable, practical way to convert to DR using our existing imaging systems,” said Crystal Rosenberger RT(R)(M)(CT), the hospital’s manager of diagnostic radiology and CT imaging.
West Virginia University Hospital conducted 134,000 imaging exams in 2011 and expects modest increases in the coming years.
The hospital initially implemented two DRX-1 systems in the hospital’s general radiology department and retrofitted one portable imaging system with a DRX-1 detector. “We immediately knew we had made the right decision. Physicians and technologists loved the flexibility and immediate image access offered by the wireless DRX detectors, and radiologists were impressed with the enhanced image quality,” Rosenberger reports.
The hospital then installed DRX detectors in another general radiology room and three portable imaging systems as well as four DRX-1 systems in outpatient imaging rooms at a large multi-physician clinic that is connected to the hospital. Images from all locations are transmitted in seconds via wireless communications to the hospital’s PACS.
One portable imaging system is dedicated to the hospital’s Level 1 trauma center while three portable imaging systems conduct X-ray exams in the ICU and on hospital floors. “Clinicians now have access to high-quality images in about five seconds, which can dramatically improve treatment for our acute care patients,” Rosenberger notes.
Carestream’s Tube and Line Feature also enhances care for ER and ICU patients by enabling physicians to immediately verify placement of tubes, catheters, PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) lines and other devices.
As a teaching hospital, Rosenberger notes that all their imaging equipment gets a workout. “The DRX detectors have proved they can tolerate rigorous use. However we purchased Carestream’s accident protection coverage for these detectors to protect our investment.”
For more information on Carestream’s medical imaging and healthcare IT solutions please visit www.carestream.com.
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About Carestream Health
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.
For more information about the company’s broad portfolio of products, solutions and services, please contact your Carestream Health representative or visit www.carestream.com.
CARESTREAM is a trademark of Carestream Health.
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