Types of digital imaging systems available to you

You can choose from four different types of digital imaging systems:

• Direct radiography (DR) plate systems. These solid state devices use amorphous silicon or amorphous selenium plates to directly capture the x-ray image and transmit it to the computer.

They are fast with excellent radiographic speed and resolution. Be prepared to invest over $100,000.

• CCD camera systems. These act like DR systems in that the image is sent directly from the imager to the computer. Top of the line systems can cost over $100,000, but systems for chiropractic use with slightly lower radiographic speed and resolution are available for around $60,000.

• Automatic feed computed radiography (CR) systems. CR systems utilize a reusable film substitute called a phosphor storage plate (PSP). The latent image is captured on the plate.

The plate must then be read for the image to be sent to the computer. Automatic feed systems have special cassettes that are taken from the x-ray machine and inserted into the plate reader. These systems remove, read, erase, and reinsert the plate automatically. Prices range from $40,000 to more than $75,000.

• Manual feed computed radiography (CR) systems. These systems use the same type of PSP as the automatic, but require the user to remove the plate from the cassette and insert it into the plate reader.

For this small amount of additional work you will enjoy a less expensive price and a mechanically simpler, and therefore potentially more reliable, system. Prices are in the low to mid $30,000s.