Hospital medical equipment - general information Radiographic systems

UMDNS GMDN
17174 Radiographic systems, film 17904 General-purpose radiography digital imaging
18430 Radiographic systems, digital system

Other common names:

X-ray table systems; digital radiography systems

Health problem addressed

General-purpose radiographic systems are used to perform
routine diagnostic x-ray procedures provided by most hospitals,
freestanding clinics, physician offices, and urgent care centers.
Medical applications can include general radiography and
orthopedic, pediatric, skeletal, and abdominal imaging.

Product description
The components of a general-purpose film or digital radiographic
table system are the table unit; the Bucky film tray and grid
system; the film or digital system; the x-ray generator; the x-ray
tube, housing, and suspension system; and the collimator. Most
new systems are digital, and many film-based systems can be
upgraded by adding a tethered or wireless flat-panel detector.

Principles of operation Use and maintenance

X-rays are produced by the x-ray tube (an evacuated tube with an User(s): Radiologist; radiology technician;
anode and a cathode) when a stream of electrons, accelerated to physician; other medical staff
high velocities by a high-voltage supply, collides with the tube’s Maintenance: Biomedical engineering staff
target anode. A set of collimators confines the primary beam to and/or service contract with the manufacturer
the approximate size and shape that will cover only the area of or third-party organization
diagnostic interest. X-rays emerging from the patient carry the Training: Initial training by manufacturer;
image information to the film cassette; an intensifying screen is operator’s manuals; user’s guide
placed on either side of the film to convert the x-rays to light,
which exposes the film. Chemical processing of the exposed film Environment of use
2012

produces the image. In a digital system, flat-panel detectors use Settings of use: Radiology department; clinics;
a scintillator material to convert x-rays to visible light. An array physician offices
of photodiodes on the aSi layer absorbs the light and translates Requirements: Stable power source;
it into an electronic signal for digital display. appropriate shielding; imaging workstations or
x-ray viewboxes
Operating steps
• The patient is prepped (may involve donning a hospital Product specifications
gown, removing jewelry). Approx. dimensions (mm): 750 x 750 x 2200
• The patient lies on the table or stands next to the upright for table; full system can vary
unit. S/he is asked to remain motionless while the image is
Approx. weight (kg): 40-1200 (200 typical)
being taken.
for table; full system can vary
• The system components are positioned and the settings are
checked. Consumables: X-ray film (if using a film-based
• The operator takes the image by activating the x-ray beam system)
using an exposure switch. Price range (USD): 40,000-160,000 (70,000
• The operator repositions the patient if needed. Multiple typical) for film-based systems; 45,000-
images may be taken. 725,000 (100,000 typical) for digital systems
Typical product life time: 8 years
Reported problems Shelf life (consumables): <1 year for x-ray film
Wires and cables may break, causing the tabletop to jam and
collision sensors to fail. Over time, rotating anodes become
Types and variations
pitted. Operator error can also result in serious patient or
• Film-based systems
operator injury. Other reported problems involve components
• Digital systems
that fail to comply with standards; electronic circuit failures in
collimators and generators; collimators coming loose and falling;
collisions between components; and mechanical jamming of
film trays.

© Copyright ECRI Institute 2012 (not including GMDN codes and device names).
UMDNS codes and devices names: © Copyright ECRI Institute 2012.
Reproduced with Permission from ECRI Institute’s Healthcare Product Comparison System.
http://www.who.int/medical_devices GMDN Codes and Term Names: © Copyright and database rights: GMDN Agency Ltd 2005-2012. All rights reserved.