When it comes to diagnosing patients, speed is of the essence. Every minute that a health practitioner has to wait for test results is a minute that the patient isn't getting the treatment they need. Thankfully, digital x-rays are a huge improvement over film.
Not only is the processing time much faster, but there are also no dangerous chemicals involved. Instead, the x-ray image is sent directly from the digital x-ray machine to a computer, where it can be viewed almost instantaneously. The digital image can then be easily shared for health practitioners to collaborate and consult with each other.
Ultimately, switching to digital x-ray is a win-win for both health practitioners and patients. If you need more convincing, here are three advantages of digital x-ray over film.
1. Digital x-ray requires no hazardous chemicals or expensive film
In film-based x-ray systems, you have to use chemicals to process the x-ray image. These chemicals can be hazardous and in some cases even toxic when not used or disposed of correctly. In addition to using chemicals, film-based x-ray systems also require film, which can be very costly.
Digital x-ray systems on the other hand use no chemicals whatsoever. Instead, these systems use a digital sensor to capture the x-ray image, which is then stored electronically. This also means that digital x-rays are much safer for health practitioners, as they will not be exposed to any harmful chemicals. In addition, digital x-rays can help save money as there is no need to buy chemicals or film.
As there is no need for costly film and dangerous chemicals, digital x-ray systems are a much safer and more cost-effective choice.
2. Digital x-ray has a shorter processing time than film
One of the main advantages of digital x-ray systems over film-based x-ray systems is the shorter processing time. With a film-based system, you have to remove the film from the cassette and then process it properly, which can take up to 20 minutes.
On the other hand, in a digital x-ray system you can see the image within a matter of seconds. This efficiency means you can diagnose your patients a lot quicker as you're not wasting time processing the film. In addition, digital x-ray images can be easily stored and retrieved, which is helpful if you need to refer back to them at a later date.
3. Digital x-ray images are easier to share than film
One of the great advantages of digital x-rays is that they are easy to share. If you need to send an image to another specialist or to a patient's insurance company, you can do so quickly and easily. All you need to do is send the file electronically through secure web-based viewers or via email.
This is a huge time saver and means that you can get the information you need without having to wait for copies to be made and mailed. In addition, if you ever need to refer back to an x-ray, you can simply pull it up on your computer.
With film-based x-rays, you get only one copy from the sheet of film. This means you have to make multiple copies to share it with your patients or healthcare practitioners which is time and resource intensive.
Digital x-rays are easy to share and easy to access, making them a convenient and efficient way to manage your x-ray images.
Conclusion
Digital x-ray systems are a great improvement on the old film-based x-ray systems because they don’t use hazardous chemicals or expensive film, have a much quicker processing time, and make it easy to share x-ray images.
If you need help with upgrading your facility or would like advice on how best to implement this technology into your practice, get in touch with our team today! We can help you every step of the way, from choosing the right equipment to providing training for your staff.
Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you take your practice to the next level!
