How to Choose the Right Portable or Mobile X-ray Imaging Machine

When starting an urgent care center, there’s a lot to consider in selecting portable or mobile X-ray equipment. As we all know, X-ray technology is the oldest and most commonly used form of medical imaging. Having an X-ray machine is definitely a must in any medical facility for a range of X-ray needs including portable chest X-ray. It is important that research be done to check what would be best for your clinic. Let’s start on the key areas.

Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) and Film

Computed Radiography (CR) is the use of a Phosphor Imaging Plate to capture a digital image, instead of a photographic film. CR uses a cassette based system like analog film and is more commonly considered to be a bridge between classical radiography and the increasingly popular fully digital methods. Since Jan. 1, 2018, users of CR’s have seen a reduced reimbursement rate from Medicare and third-party payers range anywhere from 7% – 13%. Resulting in a clear financial advantage for DR users.

Digital radiography (DR), is the latest advancement to the radiography field which uses x-ray–sensitive plates that directly capture data during the patient examination, immediately transferring it to a computer system without the use of an intermediate cassette as is the case with CR. With DR, the image is converted to digital data in real-time and is available for review within seconds.This system is additionally capable of fixed or mobile use. Film radiography is the use of silicon films within a cassette being placed behind the object to be imaged and exposed to an x-ray beam. Aside from it has a higher risk of exposing the patients to more radiation, film takes more time to develop the image than both CR and DR. The film and processing have also an ongoing consumable expense.

Here’s a snapshot from Medical Imaging Innovations on the features of CR vs. DR.

Type of X-rays

Fixed X-ray Apparatus

This type requires transformers of such size and output that they have to be built into the room and provided with special electrical connections to the mains.

Portable-X-ray Apparatus

Portable X-ray has been a handy tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients in the intensive care units, in prisons, or in nursing homes, where transfer to the radiology department may be a hindrance. This equipment is good for low volume or startup facilities with tiny space. There’s no lead shielding needed in the walls and the transformers are of small size and low weight. Portable X-ray systems can be operational with little to no construction costs.

Mobile X-ray Apparatus

One of the latest advancements in Digital Radiography is the rise of mobile digital radiography X-ray systems. These machines allow users to bring the equipment into the rest of the healthcare facility. This provides solution for imaging non-ambulatory patients who cannot make the trip down to the X-ray room and cannot be transported easily. Despite the advantages of portable X-ray machines, the image quality of bedside chest radiograph can be limited. Thanks to mobile X-ray machines, the advantage of bringing the machine to the patient is provided plus these machines have higher outputs than portable machines. It has also larger transformers and mounted on wheels.

Aside from the cost of the apparatus, important things to consider are:

length of the warranty and the covered warranty

cost of replacement parts and how often to replace them

cost and expected maintenance

generator size needed

has PACS (picture archiving and communication system)