Hospital trustees approved the purchase of new digital X-ray equipment for Humboldt General Hospital. The new equipment represents more than just an upgrade to a newer model, it cuts exam time in half because images come up on the equipment's screen immediately after the X-ray is taken. The technician knows right then whether the X-ray successfully captures the needed area, or if a repeat image is required. The images are sent wirelessly to the doctor, and to the archive system.
The image produced with the new equipment is much higher resolution than previous equipment could provide, yet results in a 75 percent lower radiation dose to the patient.
If a physician had to set a bone or fix a joint dislocation, the new equipment will show immediately if the alignment is correct.
The Affordable Care Act requires that the radiation received by patients be tracked and the total amount of radiation compiled over a lifetime, and the new X-ray equipment will provide that tracking.
The new equipment can easily be moved around the hospital and right into the hospital room when that will be better for patients. The whole X-ray assembly collapses to about the size of a large shopping cart and fits easily through doors and into position in patient rooms.
Rechargeable batteries make use throughout the hospital even easier.
The new equipment was in the budget for $225,000. The low bidder was Carestream at $153,000. Phillips put in a bid for $154,000 and General Electric put in a bid for $161,000.
In addition to the purchase price, a $23,000 a year service contract will be part of the annual cost. The new X-ray equipment should be delivered by the end of June, according to Administrative Director Pam Wickkiser.
Contact Joyce Sheen at j.sheen@winnemuccapublishing.net[[In-content Ad]]
