Mobile x-rays have become an essential part of modern healthcare. As practices grow and expand, so does the need for space saving systems - which is where mobile x-ray systems come into play! We'll explore all aspects of this technology, including their benefits as well as drawbacks in order to help you decide if they might be the right choice for you going forward.
What is a mobile x-ray system?
Mobile x-ray systems are a great option as opposed to wall mounted units which require electrical power from standard outlets. Mobile x-ray systems offer more flexibility as they are usually battery operated and ideal if you want something lightweight and portable. This allows you to have imaging capabilities in situations where a traditional x-ray machine is unfeasible.
Reasons to use a mobile x-ray system
In your allied health clinic
Mobile x-ray systems provide a number of advantages over traditional x-ray rooms in certain settings. First, mobile x-ray systems can be brought directly to the patient, meaning that there is no need to transport the patient to another location. This can be especially beneficial for patients who are too ill to move or are unable to go to a hospital or clinic.
Second, mobile x-ray systems provide a greater degree of flexibility, as they can be moved around to different locations within a facility.
If you are looking to expand into new markets, such as nursing homes and other facilities for patients who are unable to travel to traditional x-ray facilities, then mobile x-ray systems may be the perfect solution for your business.
In your hospital
Similarly, hospitals with patients that are too ill to be moved to traditional x-ray facilities would benefit from a mobile x-ray system. When it comes to the health and wellbeing of patients, hospitals have a duty to provide the highest standard of care possible. A mobile x-ray system is one tool that can help hospitals to fulfill this duty by providing reliable diagnostic imaging services regardless of a patient's location within the hospital.
There are many reasons why a mobile x-ray system can be beneficial in hospitals, particularly during times of crisis like a pandemic. One key advantage is that they are much easier to move around than traditional x-ray machines, allowing them to be deployed quickly in response to changing needs.
Furthermore, by keeping these systems within the designated COVID areas in hospitals, they can effectively contain the virus and prevent it from spreading throughout other parts of the facility.
In your urgent care facility
The role of an urgent care team is to provide timely and effective medical care to patients in need. This often involves performing complex diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, in order to diagnose illnesses or injuries. However, working with a traditional x-ray machine can be challenging for urgent care teams, as most machines are quite large and require plenty of space for setup and operation.
Fortunately, mobile x-ray systems can easily be transported from one patient room to another, allowing the team to overcome space constraints, giving team members more room and flexibility when working on patients.
Overall, a mobile x-ray system would be an extremely beneficial tool for any urgent care team looking to enhance their ability to provide effective patient care.
Handheld machines
Handheld mobile x-ray machines are a great tool to have in a variety of different settings. These portable machines are great for use in veterinary environments, as they can be easily transported to where animals are located, making it quick and easy to get an x-ray of an animal.
Similarly, these handheld mobile systems are ideal for use in pediatrics, as they allow medical professionals to easily obtain x-rays of patients' extremities without having to move them or bring them into a traditional radiation source room.
While these portable devices do have some advantages, they do also have some drawbacks. In particular, they tend to produce lower quality x-ray images on larger patients, and are not ideal for chest or lateral x-rays.
Considerations when purchasing a mobile x-ray system
When buying a mobile x-ray system, there are several key questions that you should ask yourself to ensure that it is the right solution for your needs.
Will you be moving it in and out of a car?
One important consideration is whether or not you will be moving this equipment in and out of a car or back and forth between different facilities on a regular basis. If the answer to this question is yes, then you will need to look for a unit that has good wheels, is relatively lightweight, and easy to maneuver.
Additionally, you will want to evaluate various other factors such as the type of imaging technology used by the mobile x-ray system, how fast it can produce diagnostic images, and its connectivity options. By closely evaluating all of these factors, you can be sure to choose the right mobile x-ray system that meets all of your needs.
What type of power source will meet your needs?
A traditional x-ray system requires 100 amps dedicated to powering it, while a mobile system can usually be plugged into a standard 110v wall socket. If you're looking for a space-saving solution, battery-operated mobile systems are available, but keep in mind that they may not get as much penetration as larger systems.
You should also think about the size of the patients you'll be x-raying. If you plan on x-raying large patients, make sure the system you choose has enough power to penetrate their bodies.
State requirements for mobile x-ray systems
Please note that each state has its own requirements regarding the use of mobile x-ray systems, such as which types can be used and under what circumstances. For example, in New York, handheld units may only be used when there is no alternative option for the patient, such as access to a traditional x-ray system at an urgent care facility or hospital. Therefore, it is important to research the regulations in your state before making a purchase so that you can ensure that you are adhering to all legal guidelines.
Benefits of using mobile x-ray
When it comes to mobile x-rays, there are two major benefits that really stand out; portability and space saving. Having the ability to move from room to room or location to location can make this an ideal system for health practitioners. This is particularly true for those who are part of a portable x-ray business as they can easily take their equipment with them, or within a hospital where a patient is too ill to move to a traditional x-ray room.
In terms of space saving, mobile x-ray systems are significantly smaller than their counterparts. This means that they can be stored away easily when not in use, freeing up valuable space in your clinic or office.
Downsides of mobile x-ray
As mobile x-ray systems become increasingly popular, it is important to be aware of their potential downsides. One of the main drawbacks is that they often do not produce images of the same quality as traditional x-ray systems when used on larger patients. This is due to the fact that mobile x-rays typically emit a lower dose of radiation than a traditional x-ray system, which can impact the image quality.
Mobile x-ray options
MinX-ray HF120
MinX-ray HF120 is a x-ray system that can be wheeled from room to room. It has an ergonomic design with large wheels for easy maneuverability.
SourceRay Portable X-ray
The SourceRay portable x-ray machine is a specialized medical tool that allows doctors and healthcare providers to diagnose patients quickly and easily. Similar to the MinX-ray HF120, SourceRay's portable x-ray system has great legs and wheels that make it easy to maneuver in and out of vehicles.
AMX Portable X-ray
The AMX Portable x-ray machine is a powerful, battery-operated unit that is typically used in hospital settings. This device is renowned for its high-dose output and excellent image quality, making it an ideal choice for use in critical care facilities. However, due to its large size and relatively heavy weight, the AMX Portable X-ray machine is not recommended for use outside of these environments. Weighing several hundred pounds this x-ray machine is best suited for hospitals.
Patient Image Portable X-ray
The Patient Image Portable X-ray machine is a powerful and highly specialized tool that is intended for use in hospital settings and clinics.
Fuji FDR Portable X-ray
Fuji's FDR Portable X-ray is a great option if you're looking for a lightweight, space-saving unit that comes with a built-in DR panel. The higher price point is due to Fuji's unique post-processing software, which provides high quality images, even from larger patients. The Fuji FDR Portable X-ray is a great choice for those who need a reliable, portable unit that can provide high quality images.
Cost of mobile x-ray systems
When it comes to mobile x-ray machines, costs can vary depending on a number of different factors. At the lower end of the price range are units like the MinX-Ray or SourceRay, which typically sell for around $35,000 each.
If you have a larger budget and are looking for additional features and capabilities, units like the Fuji will typically cost up to $85,000.
Choosing the right device depends on your specific needs and preferences. So when shopping around for this essential piece of equipment, be sure to do your research and take into account both cost and features when making your decision.
Conclusion
Mobile x-ray systems have come a long way in recent years, and there are now a number of different options available to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
There are several key reasons why mobile systems can be an excellent choice for your business. Whether you are considering adding mobile x-rays to an existing business or starting a new venture around this technology, there are many benefits associated with investing in mobile imaging solutions.
We would love to help you find the perfect solution for your practice or hospital, get in touch today.
