What is Digital Radiography (DR) Technology?
Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images.
The easiest way for most people to relate to this advanced technology is to first think of the older film based personal cameras.
Before the digital age, people had cameras that had to be loaded with bulky rolls of film, that not only were difficult to load; but you were unable to manipulate, delete, or view each image after taking it. You didn’t know if the image you had captured really represented what you wanted it to, or if the picture was exposed or lit correctly.
When you finished the roll, because you didn’t want to waste the expensive film; the film had to be safely removed so it was not exposed to any excessive light take the roll to be developed using a process that took a long amount of time and involved environmentally harmful chemicals; all before you could see your finished product – the picture.
Once you had your pictures back to look at it was important for you to make sure the film the pictures were developed from was kept safe and dry in storage for future reference.
What a process!
With the introduction of digital technology you now take your picture, view it within seconds, manipulate it, and even have the option of sharing it electronically with friends and family. All without the use of environmentally damaging chemicals, expensive film and the commitment of storing your processed film.
Advances in technology and decreased costs of digital sensors have allowed this digital imaging process to be applied in the medical field in many formats.
Now our patients have the chance to request their own copy of their images on CD!
