Pet/veterinary DR is also called pet/veterinary digital X-ray machine. Maximizing benefits in the time dimension
For many pet hospital directors or investors, purchasing a pet DR is a major investment decision due to its high price, and they should be rational and prudent. How to choose the most suitable pet DR seems to be a simple question, but it is actually not simple. At present, most of everyone's understanding of pet DR comes from exhibition promotions or word-of-mouth, and there are many misunderstandings among them.
Pet DR is a digital X-ray inspection equipment professionally used for pet Imaging assists pet doctors in timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
1. The composition of pet DR
When purchasing a pet DR, you must first start with the hardware composition of the device. The complete pet DR machine is composed of the following five main components:
(1) Digital X-ray detector, which can convert X-rays that pass through the human or pet body into visual digital images
(2) High-voltage generator, which can provide the ultra-high voltage required for the electrical energy;
(3) Tube, which can convert the ultra-high voltage electrical energy provided by the high-voltage generator into X-rays;
(4) Frame is a device that connects the examination table, digital X-ray detector and tube together;
(5) Pet-specific DR workstation software, software that can display, store, transmit, print, and read images.
2. Several major factors when choosing a pet DR
Choosing a suitable pet DR is a very complicated matter, involving all aspects of component (hardware) quality, software functionality, system stability of the entire machine, manufacturer strength, and warranty. I suggest that readers can judge and analyze from the following dimensions to get twice the result with half the effort and find their favorite pet DR with high cost performance.
1. Detector—Eye
First of all, it is recommended to use amorphous silicon flat panel detectors. Because amorphous selenium materials are more susceptible to damage, CCD and CR will soon be eliminated;
Secondly, if you want to do mobile shooting, it is better to choose a mobile flat panel with a size of 14×17; otherwise, a fixed 17×17-inch flat panel detector should be used;
Finally, the pixel size of flat-panel detectors can be between 130-160 microns. The pixel size is moderate. Smaller is not always better. A good detector is the key to high imaging quality, but it is not the only factor.
2. High voltage generator—heart
If your pet hospital already has a 3-phase 380-volt power supply, a 32-kilowatt 3-phase high-voltage generator is a good choice; currently, most DRs can directly supply 220V power, and a single-phase multi-frequency high-voltage generator of about 20 kilowatts is a good choice. best choice;
When you need to do mobile shooting, you need to use a combination camera head. If possible, please try to choose a higher power.
3. Tube-Visual Center
Under normal circumstances, the heat capacity is greater than or equal to 140KHU. Try to use rotating anode tubes, which are more powerful and have longer life than fixed anode tubes. When the frequency of filming is high, large heat capacity tubes should be used. At present, domestic tubes and imported tubes The tubes can meet the requirements for clinical use in terms of noise, dose, and lifespan, and the images are also good.
4. Structural appearance—joints and body
Try to choose a four-way suspended bed, which can greatly improve the convenience of filming. The frame of the six-way suspended bed is usually used in human DR. For the convenience of the elderly and injured, it is not recommended to choose it.
A frame that can change the shooting working distance is of little benefit. A fixed working distance structure is more practical and reliable than changing the shooting working distance.
5. Dedicated workstation software—brain
The powerful function of the image post-processing software system is the main factor affecting the image quality of DR equipment. Choosing genuine original pet DR dedicated workstation software with independent intellectual property rights and customized recommended dosage for pets is the key to subsequent normal and efficient use of the equipment. At the same time, it is required to comply with the international standard of DICOM3.0, be able to connect to PACS, and have advanced Image processing capabilities so that images can be clearer.
6. Whole machine integration—nerve hub
The entire device is integrated by various components (hardware + software), and the above items constitute a complete imaging chain of DR. This puts forward higher requirements for the integrated processing level of manufacturing enterprises. The quality of integration capabilities will be reflected in the matching between various components and between software and hardware. It directly affects the stability, image quality and performance of the entire machine. Equipment service life. This item is often an important factor that most hospital buyers tend to overlook.
7. Comprehensive evaluation of software and hardware
The comprehensive consideration of hardware mainly depends on whether the rationality of the overall structure of the machine can meet the requirements of "fast, convenient, lean and simple" for clinical use to the maximum extent; the comprehensive consideration of software mainly depends on whether it has image post-processing functions, Whether the operation interface is simple and easy to use and whether it is conveniently connected to PACS/HIS/RIS, and whether it has a wealth of pathological measurement and evaluation tools that can assist in the preliminary measurement and evaluation of clinical pathology.
8.After-sales service of the whole machine
On the premise of meeting the needs of daily use, choose a complete machine with high cost performance and a long warranty period for the whole machine and parts;
It is best to choose a complete machine whose components and complete machine are from the same manufacturer to ensure the overall performance of the complete machine and quick after-sales service.
The 24-month warranty is the best option. If a company says it has a long, long warranty, you may need to look at the reliability of the company's product quality from another angle.
9.Manufacturer
The inspection of manufacturers should be a comprehensive evaluation. It is recommended to pay attention to the following elements:
1) Enterprise scale: Examine the number of professional employees, number of professional equipment, and turnover or output value of the enterprise in recent years (reflecting comprehensive strength and delivery guarantee);
2) Whether the core components are independently developed and whether it has a strong complete machine development, integration and complete after-sales maintenance system; (reflecting quality assurance)
3) The time period of the manufacturer in the industry (evaluate its maturity and focus)
4) The status and popularity of manufacturers and brands in the field of "human medicine"
5) Please try to choose a manufacturer that sends original (rather than third-party) installation engineers for installation and training.
Conclusion
Selecting the right digital radiography system for veterinary practices involves evaluating imaging requirements, diagnostic capabilities, workflow efficiency, portability, durability, budget considerations, compliance, and expert consultation.
