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FHP Health Center has new x-ray gear

by Michele Catahay

FHP Health Center is now offering digital quality x-rays that can better diagnose and treat their patients.  The radiology department has introduced a Fuji computerized radiography system and picture archiving and communication system for its services.

FHP Ultrasound Technologist Gerry Patricio explains that when a patient is x-rayed and the x-ray imaging plate is run through a special laser scanner that reads and then digitalizes the image, saying, "The Fuji CR uses a specialized x-ray cassette with an image plate on it and what it does when you do an x-ray, you take that cassette and put it into what is called a CR reader. The CR reader has a laser scanner that digitizes the x-ray image.

This means they don't have to take the traditional route of taking an exposed film into a darkroom for developing in chemical tanks or an automatic film processor.  "With this method, after you do the x-ray, that cassette is now ready for the next patient. No need to reload an x-ray film. Now, we have a nice digital x-ray. It then goes to a work session where the technologist will make adjustments to it. They can add labels, put the positioning of the patient, whether it's left side or right side," she said.

The new technology is also safer for patients because the radiation dosage for the patient is also drastically reduced.  All of the data is stored in the picture archive and communication network. The x-ray image could also be enhanced by the physician and provider. Because it's in a digital format, the image can be viewed at medical facilities elsewhere.