Samir Photographic Supplies (SPS), Carestream Health's products and solutions distributors in the Kingdom, unveiled the world's first wireless cassette-sized DR detector from Carestream Health on Tuesday at a special dinner organized by SPS in honor of the visit to Saudi Arabia of Kevin J. Hobert, Carestream Health's chief executive officer. Hobert has met Saudi Arabia's top healthcare officials and professionals during his four-day visit to the Kingdom & discussed the latest developments in the healthcare imaging industry on both global and local levels. Speaking to health professionals and media representatives at the dinner event, Hobert stressed the commitment of the company to the region, particularly toward Saudi Arabia, saying “this is my first visit to the region since the acquisition of the Kodak Health Group by Onex Corporation and the establishment of Carestream Health. I'm delighted to be in Saudi Arabia, where we enjoy great customer relationships as well as a leading portfolio of healthcare imaging and IT solutions, installed in hospitals across the Kingdom.” Hobert added: “I am glad that my first visit to Saudi Arabia coincides with the launch of our DRX1 system, which will first be installed in the region in Saudi Arabia at a Ministry of Health hospital.” Saed Al-Hindi, executive director of SPS, said: “We have always strived to bring the latest innovations to the Saudi healthcare community as soon as they are released in the US or Europe. Carestream DRX-1 System is an important breakthrough technology, which offers healthcare facilities the possibility of benefiting from the DR technology without any modifications to their existing analog equipment, which results in low installation costs. Moreover, the wireless functionality of the DRX-1 can improve efficiency by allowing a much more flexible workflow to meet the specialized needs of each individual facility.” Carestream DRX-1 system is the industry's first wireless DR detector that is the size of a standard cassette and can be used with existing wall stand or table-based Buckys. The Carestream DRX-1 system is expected to be available in Saudi Arabia during the second quarter of 2009. The Carestream DRX-1 system incorporates a console and a wireless 14 x 17 inch (35 x 43 cm) cassette-size digital radiography (DR) detector that provides a rapid, affordable conversion for users of radiographic film or computed radiography systems. It requires no modifications to existing analog equipment-which results in very low installation costs- and a healthcare facility can utilize one detector for nearly all types of exams where a traditional cassette would be used. The DRX-1 system delivers high-quality preview images in under five seconds, which significantly improves productivity, even for users of computed radiography (CR) systems. This innovative wireless detector presents an extremely attractive option for facilities that want to improve productivity and image quality in existing film or CR rooms, but do not have the budget for equipment replacement. No modifications to existing x-ray systems are needed and facilities can continue to use the Bucky with CR or film-based cassettes if desired. In addition, the wireless functionality of the DRX-1 can improve efficiency by allowing a much more flexible workflow to meet the specialized needs of each individual facility. Because this DR detector is a wireless cassette, it provides flexible positioning that enhances both efficiency and patient comfort. The detector can be used wherever it is needed- in the wall stand Bucky, table Bucky or for tabletop shots and other difficult views. With a weight of 8.5 pounds, the detector is up to 30 percent lighter and up to 50 percent smaller than other portable detectors. Its compact size and lightweight further enhance convenience and throughput for radiology professionals. The DRX-1 system-suitable for general radiology, trauma, orthopedics and virtually all other x-ray exams-incorporates the same innovative software and image processing capability as Carestream Health's KODAK DirectView CR and DR systems and, therefore, will deliver image quality and workflow consistent with these systems. A console is included with the detector to assist with image capture, preparing preview images, image processing and full-resolution display. Images can be transmitted as Dicom files to a PACS or storage device. __
