.jpg)
Brookings Health System recently purchased a new portable x-ray and a new ultrasound system. Both medical imaging systems are completely digital and produce high-resolution pictures, creating greater detail to help physicians better diagnose and treat patients.
The new portable x-ray system also allows radiology technologists to take pictures that instantly appear on a screen, helping health care providers quickly diagnose and treat patients. Previous technology required radiology technologists process the image in the radiology department after capture. The fully digital x-rays also reduce the required radiation dose to take images.
The newly acquired ultrasound system matches the image quality of the state-of-the-art ultrasound system added in 2011. Both systems reduce operational input required by ultrasonographers, meaning patient procedures take less time. The newest ultrasound system is also smaller and more agile, allowing it to be portable.
Portable systems allow equipment to come to the patient at the point of care rather than the patient moving to the imaging exam room. This adds convenience for a patient in the emergency department or hospital who has limited movement.
All captured imagery is stored on Brookings Health System’s picture archiving and communication system (PACS). This system allows Brookings Health System to easily share images with other health care providers, including high-resolution, digital images from the new x-ray and ultrasound systems.
Brookings Health System’s imaging department performs over 12,000 diagnostic imaging procedures annually using advanced medical imaging systems, including X-rays, nuclear medicine, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs.
For more information about Brookings Health System’s full imaging services, please visit www.brookingshealth.org/image.
PHOTO: Radiology Technologist Julie Nylund electronically processes a patient’s digital x-ray immediately after capturing the image in Brookings Health System’s emergency department with the new portable x-ray system. The new portable x-ray equipment and ultrasound system are capable of being transported to the patient at the point of care, adding convenience for patients with limited movement.