X-Ray: DR and CR in the Sights
Digital radiography (DR) continues to fare well, as healthcare facilities acknowledge the cost-saving benefits. At the same time, computed radiography (CR) has positioned itself appropriately as a cost-effective alternative for providers who may not have the budget to invest in DR.

Eastman Kodak Co. (Rochester, N.Y.) continues to balance DR and CR with new introductions in each modality. On the DR side, the company served up its new Kodak DirectView 7100 tabletop system for general radiography applications.

The DirectView 7100 features a tilt-up table and overhead tube for table, upright, chest, and extremity studies. It also can perform either grid or gridless imaging. The system augments Kodak’s DirectView 9000 system for general radiography, which includes a multiplanar motion U-arm design, and can handle a full range of chest, extremity, abdominal and trauma exams.

The DirectView 7100 is FDA-cleared. Kodak anticipates the system will be available in the second quarter of 2002. The DirectView 7100 has a list price in the range of $450,000 fully configured.

The second new product is the Kodak DirectView 5100, designed for chest exams for ambulatory as well as non-ambulatory patients.

Both the Kodak DirectView 5100 and 7100 systems feature a new fully integrated operator console, as well as a touch screen for ease of use and an exam tutor for display of exam views and tracking their completion.

Please refer to the January 2002 issue for the complete story. For information on article reprints, contact Martin St. Denis