At the Journées Françaises de Radiologie (JFR) 2011, Agfa HealthCare is showing its most comprehensive digital radiography portfolio ever. These solutions address a broad diversity of imaging needs, delivering productivity and workflow improvement benefits, combined with very high image quality. In IT, the company is showcasing its broad Imaging Informatics range, highlighting new additions and updates.
Scalable CR and DR portfolio
Agfa HealthCare remains committed to offering a complete solutions portfolio for both computed radiography (CR) and direct radiography (DR) that does not compromise on image quality. At JFR 2011, Agfa HealthCare is demonstrating how the two technologies co-exist in a scalable growth path for digital imaging. From the fully robotized DR to the most basic CR system, Agfa HealthCare offers excellent image quality, always backed by Agfa HealthCare's 'gold standard' MUSICA2 image processing and the convenience of the NX workstation's single user interface. In addition, DR technologies can be combined with CR to address the facility's specific imaging needs in a highly most effective way.
Among the solutions in Agfa HealthCare's imaging range that are being highlighted at JFR 2011:
Direct radiography (DR)
DX-D 800* digital X-ray room: combining fluoroscopy and radiography exposures
The DX-D 800 is a digital X-ray room fitted with a dynamic, portable and removable flat-panel detector. It is a multi-purpose system that allows both fluoroscopy and the broadest range of radiology exams, including Full Leg/Full Spine with automatic image stitching. The remote controlled table positioning is programmed in each anatomic protocol, offering excellent ergonomy.
DX-D 30*: portable wireless detector
The DX-D 30, with its wireless technology, is especially convenient in challenging imaging situations, such as the ICU or operating room, as the cord doesn't interfere with patient positioning. It also offers greater hygiene, since there is no trailing cable to pick up dirt and germs from the floor.
DX-D 100: mobile direct digital X-ray unit
Thanks to its ergonomic design, the DX-D 100 is easily moved and operated by a single person, for improved quality and efficiency of bedside imaging. It can be used with several DR detectors, delivering instant previews and leading-edge resolution for a broad range of general radiography X-ray studies.
DX-D 300: cost-effective DR solution with fully motorized U-arm
Its small size and floor-mounting make the DX-D 300 very easy and cost-effective to install, even in a limited space. Yet it can handle a broad range of X-ray studies, including lateral exams and Full Leg/Full Spine* with automatic stitching.
DX-D 600**: fully automated, top-of-the-line DR solution with two detectors
The high-productivity DX-D 600 offers a complete portfolio of fully motorized, semi-automatic or manual configurations. The fully automatic system offers the latest in state-of-the-art auto-positioning technology. The versatile, ceiling-suspended DX-D 600 is equipped with dual Cesium Iodide (CsI) DR detectors in the wall stand and table, with optional integrated CR as well.
Computed radiography (CR)
DX-M**, DX-G*** and needle-based detectors: combining excellent image quality with high throughput
Agfa HealthCare's new crystalline needle-based detectors, DX digitizers and MUSICA2 imaging processing have been used in hundreds of mammography and radiology installations. Clinical studies show that they allow a significant potential dose reduction of between 30 and 50 percent for mammography and radiology examinations. The DX-M and DX-G solutions are the most complete CR systems in Agfa HealthCare's portfolio.
CR 30-X and CR 30-x: new family of basic CR solutions
Agfa HealthCare's new family of basic CR solutions offers improved robustness and serviceability, at a price point that further lowers the barriers to digital X-ray without compromising on image quality. The CR 30-X is a high-volume desktop digitizer, supporting a broad range of general radiology applications including Full Leg/Full Spine*. The CR 30-x is a low-volume desktop digitizer that supports the same broad range of radiology exams. Each provides image quality equal to Agfa HealthCare's most advanced CR systems.
Agfa HealthCare's Imaging Informatics
In the IT domain, Agfa HealthCare is highlighting the following solutions at JFR 2011:
IMPAX Data Center and Viewer: enterprise medical imaging and eHealth
IMPAX Data Center is Agfa HealthCare's leading enterprise medical imaging repository. By consolidating imaging data from different systems into a single point of storage and distribution, it plays a key role in creating a longitudinal, image-enabled electronic medical record (EMR) or regional electronic health record (EHR). At JFR 2011, it is being shown with the browser-based IMPAX Data Center Viewer. This XERO-powered viewer offers uniform access regardless of location, delivering images and information to caregivers across a wide range of technical and physical barriers.
XERO for IMPAX (WIP): simplified browser-based results viewing
XERO for IMPAX is the latest results viewer for IMPAX, and is being shown as a Work-in-Progress at JFR 2011. This lightweight image and report viewer offers fully embedded browser-based results viewing, as well as simplified features for referring physicians. It includes expanded browser and operating system client support, and new functionalities for measurements, study comparisons and comments, single-sign on (SSO) for reports, and more. This 'zero foot print' and 'zero download' solution will be available for all standard operating systems and the most popular internet browsers.
IMPAX 6.5 RIS/PACS/Reporting: advanced applications
IMPAX 6.5 is the latest version of Agfa HealthCare's advanced IMPAX 6 integrated RIS/PACS workflow solution for data management and reporting. Its new features focus on usability, workflow, productivity and business intelligence. A few highlights include guided workflows that unite information, applications and image processing within one cohesive image management application; improved personalized usability; and fast remote reading. The newest-generation radiology information system (RIS) offers customizable toolbars, display of relevant data and action buttons, so it can be tailored to specific needs and preferences. The updated IMPAX Reporting solution includes Extended Addendum workflows and customizable templates, together with on-the-fly personalization of standard texts. The latest wireless speech microphones drive Agfa HealthCare's sophisticated speech recognition solution.
IMPAX for Breast Imaging: extending Agfa HealthCare's PACS into mammography
By implementing the IHE Mammography Image profile, IMPAX for Breast Imaging avoids the typical image display problems of mixed-vendor environments. It can be configured for screening or diagnostic workflows, and supports Agfa HealthCare's MUSICA MCE (Micro Calcification Enhancement) technology.
IMPAX for Nuclear Medicine: automated workflow and specialized features
With IMPAX for Nuclear Medicine, the entire workflow of the nuclear medicine department can be automated, and communications with other departments optimized. The patient's end-to-end exam flow can be scheduled from arrival at the hospital, to the final distribution of nuclear medicine reports. OASIS for IMPAX, developed in cooperation with Segami Corp., adds a fully featured nuclear medicine viewing and processing package, allowing the user to access advanced features for viewing and processing of NM, SPECT, and PET images, with just the click of a button.
IMPAX for Business Intelligence (WIP in France): better tools for decision-making
Supporting the demand for better decision-making support tools in radiology, Agfa HealthCare is introducing its new IMPAX solution for Business Intelligence, as a Work-in-Progress. Using the IMPAX for Business Intelligence Data Warehouse, the system provides historical, current and predictive views of operations. Real-time dashboards, management reports and ad-hoc queries are all available in a single web browser, enabling physicians and hospital management to monitor, measure and streamline radiology operations.
* Not Available in the U.S. or Canada
** Not Available in the U.S.
*** Not Indicated for Use with Mammography
Related news articles:
- Agfa HealthCare's Profile
About Agfa
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world’s leading companies in imaging and information technology. Agfa develops manufactures and markets analogue and digital systems for the printing industry (Agfa Graphics), for the healthcare sector (Agfa HealthCare), and for specific industrial applications (Agfa Materials). Agfa is headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is present in 40 countries and has agents in another 100 countries around the globe. The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a turnover of 2,948 million euro in 2010.
About Agfa HealthCare
Agfa HealthCare, a member of the Agfa-Gevaert Group, is a leading global provider of diagnostic imaging and healthcare IT solutions. The company has nearly a century of healthcare experience and has been a pioneer on the healthcare IT market since the early 1990's. Today Agfa HealthCare designs, develops and delivers state-of-the-art systems for capturing, managing and processing diagnostic images and clinical/administrative information for hospitals and healthcare facilities, as well as contrast media solutions to enable effective medical imaging results. The company has sales offices and agents in over 100 markets worldwide. Sales for Agfa HealthCare in 2010 were 1,180 million euro.