In short. Moving from film or CR to digital radiography does not mean replacing the whole X-ray room: a flat panel (DR) detector can be added to the system you already have. Start with the type (wireless, tethered or fixed), the scintillator (cesium iodide or Gadox), the size and whether you need auto-trigger. Then check installation, support and drop coverage. This guide helps you reach the supplier conversation with a clear must-have list.
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Why switch to DR?
- Image quality: a 14x17 cesium iodide panel has smaller pixels and a sharper matrix than a CR cassette.
- Workflow: images are ready in about 6 seconds, versus about 2 minutes with CR and up to 10 with film. The tech knows right away if a retake is needed.
- Dose: DR panels need roughly 40% less radiation than CR and up to 75% less than film, in line with ALARA.
- Space: panel, control box, charger and computer fit on a countertop; no copier-sized reader or darkroom.
- Running costs: no film or chemicals; many issues are solved through remote support.
Which flat panel do I need?
| Type | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Mobile or portable radiography, moving between table bucky and chest stand | Batteries to charge or swap; higher upfront cost |
| Tethered | Fixed rooms on a tighter budget | Wheelchairs and stretchers can damage the cable |
| Fixed | High-volume chest stand | More involved installation; no batteries |
- Scintillator: cesium iodide (CsI) needs about 10% less dose and gives slightly better images; Gadox costs less and is a good first step into digital.
- Auto-trigger (AED): the panel detects incoming X-rays and captures on its own, with no generator integration. Skipping AED saves a little but makes installation harder.
- Pixel pitch and resolution: ask for real images; more line pairs per millimeter (LP/mm) means better images.
- Battery: for wireless panels, removable batteries you can swap are best.
- Size: 10x12, 14x17 or 17x17, depending on your exams.
Installation and service
A wireless panel is essentially unboxed: it goes in the bucky tray and the workstation is configured. Tethered panels add cable management and maybe a small tray adjustment. Fixed panels take the most work but usually fit in half a day. With no moving parts, most issues are software or network related and handled remotely.
How much does it cost?
It depends on type, size, scintillator, number of panels (two panels, one for the table and one for the chest stand, usually cost less per unit), installation and drop coverage, which standard warranties do not include. At Solmedic every configuration is price on request. Financing from 3 to 12 months (max. 24) with a minimum 40% down payment, subject to approval.
Return on investment depends mostly on volume: the more exams per month, the faster it pays back.
What the full guide includes
The full flat panel buyer's guide covers the advantages over CR and film, a comparison by type and size, an ROI estimate by volume and installation and service details. We'll send it as a PDF on WhatsApp, no strings attached. (Guide in Spanish.)
FAQ
Will it work with my current X-ray system? In most cases, yes; an auto-trigger panel does not need generator integration.
Wireless or tethered? Wireless for portable work or frequent repositioning; tethered for the lowest cost in a fixed room.
CsI or Gadox? CsI if dose and image come first; Gadox if budget comes first.
Is financing available? Yes, 3 to 12 months (max. 24) with a minimum 40% down payment, subject to approval.
Prefer to call? Reach us at +58 412-4345457.
