A state-of-the-art DR system and a film digitizer for CR that creates images in under 13 seconds are two of AGFA Healthcare's latest offerings, showcased at RSNA 2009.

The Mortsel, Belgium-based global imaging company met with DOTmed News' camera crew at their booth to demonstrate these new releases.

Greg Cefalo, business manager for the radiology division, reveals the DX-G, a CR cassette digitizer that works with both traditional powder and the newer needle-based detectors. More sensitive than powder, needle-based detectors are often used for pediatric and neonatal imaging, where high resolution is critical, Cefalo says. Its sensitivity also translates into dose reduction.

"Needles allow for the potential to cut the dose in half," says Cefalo. "They have twice the digital detector quantum efficiency."

The DX-G, with its five plate "drop and go" buffer, is also quite speedy, digitizing the first image in about 13 seconds, according to Cefalo. It's available now.

New DR system

Next, Cefalo shows an RSNA 2009 debut, the DX-500N. This DR is a full-feature system, according to Cefalo, and comes with a table and tiltable wall stand. It uses AGFA's MUSICA software for contrast detail, and relies on the intuitive generator console similar in design to previous AGFA models, making it easy to train on if radiologists are already familiar with AGFA's CR systems, according to Cefalo.

AGFA expects the DX-500N, which can run both the dose-reducing, needle-based cesium bromide DR and cesium iodide CR, to ship in the United States this month. The DX-500, a similar model, is already available in much of Europe.

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