PLX100 high frequency mobile x ray machine in perlong medical

 x ray machine
Mobile x ray machine
Medical x  ray equipment
This x ray machine is also called  x ray equipment .
PLX100 x ray machine  is the same as high frequency mobile x ray machine.

 
Usage of mobile x ray machine
        The mobile  x ray equipment  is combined with high frequency X-ray video camera that can be conveniently moved to wards, ICU, operating rooms and so on for taking radiology photography for patients.

Technical parameters of mobile x ray machine
Power Output                   :2.5KW
Frequency                        :25kHZ
X-ray tube                        : fixed anode ,1.5mm
Power supply                    :220V ±10% ,50Hz
Operation Method            :  Wire/Wireless control


Features of mobile x ray machine
1. Structure is designed based on anthropotomy, with beautiful appearance, and it is easy to operate.
 2. Two-button adjustment by kV and mAs, display by LCD and memory by parameters after power failure.
3. With a high-quality knockdown X-ray generator to reduce irradiation, which is much safer to environment and operator.
4. With 50 preset exposure programs, and can be modified and stored by the user for convenient operation.
5. The x ray machine is featured with protection for shortage of high voltage, over-flowing of tube current and output over-loading as well as indication for failure.
6. With a symmetrical beam applicator to adjust the X-ray field and a collimator lamp to locate the filed to ensure accurate radiography.

PLX101D High Frequency Mobile x ray machine (100mA )

  High Frequency Mobile X-ray machine is also called Perlong x ray machine.This high frequency   mobile x ray machine is a kind of x ray machine.This mobile x ray machine can be used outside.


Specification of  mobile x ray machine
Power Output:   5.0KW
Frequency  :  40KHZ
X-ray Tube  :   Fixed anode
Mobile X-ray machine
High Frequency Mobile X-ray machine,
Operation Method: Wire/Wireless control
With a back-up battery.


Usage of mobile x ray machine
This x ray machine  is combined high-frequency X-ray photography diagnostic equipment, which is used in radiology, orthopedics, wards, emergency rooms, operating rooms, and ICU, etc. It is mobile diagnostic equipment which can make radiography on human body, such as head, limbs, chest and spine. The machine is especially suitable for photography without power supply, such as special outdoor environment and emergent incidents.


Feature of mobile x ray machine
1. Use a assembly high-frequency high-voltage generator, kV closed-loop control and mAs digital closed-loop control technology, microprocessor Real-time control, ensure dose accuracy and repeatability.
2. kV,mAs two buttons adjustment, LCD display, parameter memory.
3. With 50 preset anatomy programs, and parameters can be modified by the user.
4. With over high voltage protection, tube over-current protection, output overload protection function, more secure and reliable.
5. The structural design of Ergonomics, simple and easy operation.
6. Use special high-quality batteries as the machine power supply, once fully charged, about 200 times the normal expose, avoid the fluctuations in net power supply to impact on the film effectiveness, the photography quality more stable and reliable

Annual Physical Examinations

    Annual physical examination is a healthy sense in modern time. Nowadays , more and more people take care of their own body . They become to be familiar with routine tests in hospital, such as hematology analyzer , microplate reader . 
    For some people, the annual physical examination is a source of reassurance that they're as healthy as they feel. Others see it as an alarm system, to catch health problems before they become serious.
    This examination is so necessary and important for human body. The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor's visit. Surprisingly, though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical. A good doctor may be thorough or brief, according to his or her personal style and your individual circumstances.
Most people have experienced many aspects of the annual exam:
    First , before taking a test , doctors will know some about your health. Such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, diet and exercise.
    Then is vital signs , including blood pressure , less than 120 over 80 is a normal blood pressure. Doctors define high blood pressure (hypertension) as 140 over 90 or higher. Heart exam , lung exam, head and neck exam, abdomina exam , neurological exam .
    Then when you do some test , you will use some medical equipment , they are so fast and conveniently for doctors to operate . Such as hematology analyzer , fluoroscopy  x ray machine  , microplated reader . Immune quantitative analyzer.  They usually test on human’s blood , for there are so many health singal is marked in our blood , the same as the disease .
     After taking annual physical examination , if you get a health report , that will be good news for you . But sometimes , we will find some sickness . Pls don’t be worried so much , because doctors will do a good favor to help you , and you will be healthy soon later .

What is C-arm used for ?

            C-arm x ray machine provides real-time detailed viewing of anatomic structures using fluoroscopic dyes. It is considered to be a non-invasive device because no part of the equipment enters the body, making it safe to use for screening before, during and after other types of procedures.
Line placement
      C-arms can be small and portable, making them ideal for use in visually guiding physicians to place stents and catheters. Patients undergoing chemotherapy typically receive a PICC line catheter so that medication can be delivered intravenously over a long period of time.
Orthopedics
       Image intensifiers are frequently used in orthopedics to help place hardware needed to stabilize bones and joints, for vascular and neurological imaging to make sure that surrounding tissues remain healthy and to help guide surgeons operating on delicate areas such as the spine.
Surgery
      There are many surgical uses including real-time viewing of the bony structures. This equipment can provide viewing assistance to guarantee precision during surgery.
Pain management
      Image intensifiers are used in pain clinics to help guide needle placement into joints for injection of local anesthetics. Pain-relieving medication can be inserted into shoulders and knees with little or no damage to the surrounding structures.

Understanding Your Imaging Equipment Service Agreements

            If you are considering to purchase a new diagnostic imaging equipment and
corresponding equipment service agreements (synonymous with contract), the level of
service required for the radiologists needs to be determined first. There are countless
factors to think about — budget, service provider preferences, availability of in-
house repair technicians, there are numerous service providers to choose from that
offer different products and service levels.
           First, radiologists should rank what factors are most important to them and
their practice. Second, knowledge is power, so knowing the difference between the most
common types of service agreements will help radiologists make a more informed and
efficient decision.
         Below are the most common types of diagnostic imaging equipment service
agreements:
• Full-service
• Business hours
• Extended business hours
• Extended business hours and weekends
• Preventive maintenance (PM) only
• Time and materials
• Loaner or depot service
• Inspection only
• Calibration only
       In the next page we will explain the detailed difference between the above
mentioned agreements of imaging equipment service (mobile x ray machine, digital x ray,
c arm machine, etc.)

Parts of an X-Ray Machine

           An x-ray machine is a complex device used in a variety of circumstances around
the world. With the ability to penetrate hard objects, they are used in the medical
community to look for broken bones or problems within the body. Regardless of which
type of x-ray , there are a number of components that are vital to the inner workings
of an x-ray machine.
Vacuum Tube
              X-ray tubes are more commonly referred to as vacuum tubes. They are integral
parts of the x-ray machine, and work by ionizing radiation with wavelengths shorter
than ultraviolet light. A cathode within the machine emits electrons into the vacuum
tube, at which point an anode collects the electrodes and establishes an electrical
current through the tube. A high voltage is used to accelerate the electrons, and the
current flow is pulsed until the required amount of x-ray exposure has occurred. The
beams of energy from the tube are focused onto a visible substance, which is where you
view the final result.
Power Source
    A high voltage power source is required to operate an x-ray machine, usually
between 30 and 150 kilovolts depending on the type of x-ray being taken. The voltage is
used to accelerate the electrons within the vacuum tube, and is usually pulsed from 1
microsecond to 1 full second. The high voltage power source of an x-ray machine
controls the penetration of the x-ray itself, and thus the overall contrast of the
image, with the voltage of the current and exposure time affecting the dose and
darkness of the image.
Control Unit
          The control unit of the x-ray machine is necessary to manage the voltage, 
current, and time of exposure. Radiation intensity can change dramatically depending on
whether you are using the machine to render x-ray stills of body parts or using it as a
security monitor, for example. There is also a voltage control with a display, allowing
you to make adjustments in the anode itself to change the type of radiation energy
being released. The control unit also has a timer to control the pulses and duration of
the exposure.

Tips for Buying C-arm

        C-arms are very popular in hospitals and it also widely used in many fileds. So there are many hospitals want to buy the medical equipment. There are some advices or
suggestions for you,when you want to buy a c-arm,it may help you.
         When choosing between a fixed C-arm system and a mobile C-arm, the mobile equipment is more popular as it is more versatile and much less expensive. The reason for this
is that the fixed C-arm systems are used for more complex procedures and are therefore equipped with a far greater number of features. On the other hand, most mobile C-arms are
currently available in high-end versions which are capable of performing many vascular and cardiac procedures, as well. The important benefit that the mobile C-arm system offers
is its ability to go where the patient is, and not vice versa.
If you have decided to purchase a mobile C-arm for your medical facility, it is important to understand all of the C-arm parts that comprise the entire system. When you are in
need of C-arm replacement parts, this check list may be helpful in identifying and pinpointing your search for C-arm parts:Various C-arm part handles for movement and
positioning;Power switch and exposure switch;Controls for radiographic and fluoroscopic settings;Various interconnect cables;PACS system connection;X-ray tubes (fitted, fixed
anode or rotating anode) and so on.
       It is highly recommended that with both new and used C-arm systems that the after the C-arm parts, applications and programs are installed, look thoroughly into the
applications and have them checked by an expert to make sure they are running properly.

Procedural and Miscellaneous Equipment used in Veterinary Practice

            There are many medical equipments are widely used in the pet hospitals, such as radiography machines (mobile x ray machine, digital x ray machines, etc.), laboratory machines and so on.
  Now, we introduce other two machines in veterinary practice .They are Procedural and Miscellaneous Equipments.
Procedural Equipment
 The basic inhalation anesthesia machine used in surgeries delivers a controlled amount of anesthetic agent mixed with oxygen and provides a method of assisting the patient's breathing. All anesthesia machines carry the same four components: a gas source (usually oxygen), a gas pressure regulator, a flow meter that controls the amount of gas entering the patient, and a vaporizer that delivers a concentration of the anesthetic agent into the patient.
             
 Machines that monitor the patient's heart rate and blood pressure, the amount of carbon dioxide being expelled during breathing and the amount of oxygen in the blood are common in modern surgical suites.
Dental cleanings require an ultrasonic dental unit that uses sound waves to generate energy from a stationary shank down to a detachable head. Operating at 25,000 cycles per second, the unit causes the head to vibrate and separate calculus and stains from tooth surfaces. An aerosol mist generated from the head keeps the surface cool.
Miscellaneous Instrument
 Vet clinics use various other machines to take care of their patients. Autoclaves sterilize instruments and materials used in surgeries and dental procedures.
 Intravenous pumps deliver fluids and medication directly into the veins of sick patients.
 Special tables whose height and angle can be adjusted are designed for surgical suites to facilitate veterinary procedures.

CT/CAT Scan (Computed Tomography)

          CT/CAT Scan (Computed Tomography) uses rotating X-rays and computers to obtain close
and detailed images of organs, blood vessels and muscles. Providing clearer images than
a normal X-ray, this type of scan is usually used for the brain, sinuses, abdomen,
pelvis and chest.

Ultrasound
  Ultrasound, or Sonography, is a diagnostic machine that uses high frequency sound
waves to generate images. This diagnostic imaging machine is often used during
pregnancy and to identify problems with internal organs. Ultrasound is considered the
safest modality to use due to its lack of radiation, especially for expecting women.

   X-ray
  X-ray machines such as mobile x ray machine, c arm use X-rays, or electromagnetic
radiation, to provide images of any part of the body. Though the images are not as
detailed and clear as other forms of diagnostic imaging, they are quick and often used
to determine problems with dense areas of the body, such as bones or ligaments.
  

Special Symposia on Interventional Oncology

                   For RSNA 2011 attendees who are interested in interventional oncology, two special symposias will be held on Monday and again on Thursday. Monday’s symposium will discuss various minimally invasive treatments about lung cancer, and Thursday’s symposium will be about renal cell carcinoma.
"There are a lot of minimally invasive techniques that are done by interventional radiologists to treat tumors," said Damian Dupuy, MD, from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, who will chair the interventional oncology symposia. "In this day and age, when you have the baby boomers turning 65 and in their cancer years, it is going to be very difficult and expensive to use expensive invasive treatments to treat their cancer."
               Minimally invasive therapy is made possible thanks to imaging techniques, he said.
"We can use less invasive and less costly procedures. They may be as effective and certainly for small kidney tumors, I think that surgery is not the way to go."
           RSNA 2011 will also feature distinguished lectures and special addresses.
           Nowadays,many kinds of medical equipments can diagnose the cancer and tumors, such as high frequency mobile x ray machine, c arm machine,digital x ray machine, fluoroscopic equipment ect.
RSNA 2011 Annual Meeting; November 27 to December 2, 2011.

The advantage of interventional radiology

           Today many conditions that once required surgery can be treated  by
interventional radiologists. Some of these procedures are done for purely diagnostic
purposes (e.g., angiogram), while others are done for treatment purposes (e.g.,
angioplasty). Interventional radiology treatments always offer less risk, pain, and
recovery time compared to the open surgery, and are a major advance in medicine for
patients.
         The basic concept behind interventional radiology is to diagnose or treat
pathology using the least invasive technique possible. Images are used to direct
interventional procedures, which are usually done with needles and narrow tubes called
catheters. The images provide road maps that allow the interventional radiologist to
guide these instruments through the body to the areas containing disease. By minimizing
the physical trauma to the patient, peripheral interventions can reduce infection rates
and recovery time as well as shorten hospital stays.
         Video surveillance equipment of interventional radiology: X-rays, CT,
ultrasound, MRI and so on. X rays--used by x ray machine(mobile x ray machine, fixed x
ray machine) is now widely used by hospitals.

Laboratory and Diagnostic Machines used in Veterinary Practice

        American Animal Hospital Association states that "veterinary care facilities must meet certain minimum criteria regarding hospital standards". In order to receive accreditation through the association, these criteria include up-to-date laboratory, diagnostic and procedural machinery. Many of these machines are used in human medicine as well.
           Laboratory Machines          
             The laboratory centrifuge separates urine and blood samples into their liquid and solid components by spinning the fluids in small tubes at a centrifugal force of up to 25,000 times gravity. Veterinarians and vet techniques can analyze each sample and determine if any abnormalities are present. In some clinics the centrifuge spins down fecal samples so that the eggs of intestinal worms and other parasites float to the top and are more readily visible under a microscope.
               Many veterinary clinics invest in an in-house chemistry analyzer. These machines require a blood or urine sample and use colored reagent slides to determine specific chemistries. A small amount of the patient's sample is added to each slide and the color density formed is electronically compared to predetermined norms. The concentrations of minerals, chemicals and electrolytes in the patient's blood and urine are useful in diagnosis.
              Diagnostic Machines
               Radiograph machines are necessary diagnostic equipment, and the type and size of machine varies depending on the caseload and type of practice. Small animal hospitals typically use a stationary unit with a large X-ray tube that projects rapidly moving electrons at a centered target on a table. A cassette tray under the table holds the X-ray film that captures the projected image. Once the image is shot, a veterinary technician develops the film in an in-house developer. Some small animal clinics own smaller dental radiograph machines built expressly to take images of the teeth and mouth. Large animal hospitals normally possess mobile X-ray machines that can be moved from place to place (and farm to farm), and the films are usually developed off site.
               Veterinary hospitals will usually include an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine in their normal practice. The ECG measures heart functions and is a diagnostic tool for older patients and those with heart disease. It also monitors animals under general anesthesia during surgeries.

How Does an X ray Machine Work?

Components

An X-ray machine is made up of a variety of different components. The main parts is a X-ray tube, a long cylinder that's pointed at the part of a patient's body that's going to be X-rayed. Inside this cylinder is an anode, which releases electrons, and a cathode, which absorbs the current of electrons from the anode. The cathode in this case is a circle that's made of metal tungsten. The result of this energy conduction is a stream of highly energized particles called photons. These photons are channeled through a number of filters until they create a beam of X-ray radiation.

X-rays

When X-ray radiation is sent out in a beam, it travels through the patient. X-rays are a form of radiation, just like light. Whereas light doesn't penetrate past the skin because it's reflected, X-rays can pass through the skin. X-ray radiation is only stopped by dense body tissues, such as bones. It's this property that allows X-rays to take a "picture" of a person's skeleton. When the X-rays travel through the body, they expose a film on the other side . Where the rays hit the film, they turn it black. In the areas where the patient's bones absorbed the energy, they show up white, making a picture of the bone structure.

Safety

Older X-ray machines exposed doctors and patients to a large amount of X-ray radiation, which is harmful to human bodies. As time passed and have made some advances, new safety measures have been implemented. Current X-ray machines only produce radiationof small amounts . Additionally, the beam is tightly focused onto an area of the patient's body. The machine is shielded, and proper precautions such as concrete and lead shielding need to be built into hospitals or clinics to stop radiation from moving outward.

Careers in Servicing & Maintenance of Medical Machines (2)

         We have introduced the two kinds of careers in servicing & maintenance of medical machines. Except the two kinds, there are three careers left. Now, we will give you the details of the three careers.
 

Surgical Instrument Repair Technician
A surgical instrument repair technician repairs and services precision surgical instruments for a hospital or clinic. Duties include polishing and sharpening medical instruments and repairing or replacing parts. A majority of a surgical instrument repair technician's time will be spent traveling to hospitals, but some hospitals create positions specifically for this type of service; that way a technician will always be on hand. To qualify for this position, an individual must be a high school graduate, be able to complete a training program for instrument repair and know how to use various tools, including hand tools, and a buffer.

Medical Equipment Preparer
 Medical equipment preparers help prepare medical equipment for physicians in an emergency or operating room. With this position, an individual has to prepare, sterilize and install all health care equipment. A medical equipment preparer needs to have knowledge of the equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and to understand written and verbal instructions. A medical equipment preparer also has to maintain a log for all equipment being used. To meet the criteria for this position, a high school diploma and on-the-job training are required.

Radiology Service Engineer
 This position is similar to a biomedical equipment technician. The only difference is that a radiology service engineer only deals with radiology equipment and he must have an associate degree in electronics, engineering or biomedical technology. Duties for this position include giving support in radiology rooms and mammography facilities, which entails repairing and installation of mobile x ray machines, digital radiography equipment, c arms and digital imaging machines.
 The five careers can make the operation of the medical equipment more conveniently and also ensure the safety of the field of the medical equipments or instruments.
 

Careers in Servicing & Maintenance of Medical Machines (1)

           With the development of the industry, the field of the medical equipment is also developing quickly. Safety of medical equipment becomes more and more important. There are various ways to ensure medical machines and instruments are safely used and are operating in a proper manner. People are needed to keep the machines and instruments in top working order.
            
           Today, many careers appeared to maintain the safety of medical equipments and instruments. Now, we will introduce two kinds of careers in servicing & maintenance of medical machines in the following.
 Biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) play an important part in hospital or health care facility. A technician installs, inspects, repairs, services and calibrates medical equipment. BMETs usually work on include X-ray machines, ultrasound machines and laboratory equipments. After installing certain equipment, BMETs will also train health care staff on how to use the equipment.
             To pursue a career in medical equipment repairing, a person will have to receive an associate or bachelor's degree in biomedical equipment technology or biomedical engineering. While a majority of companies require an associate degree, some companies will offer an individual with just a high school diploma a position, but only if the person agrees to obtain on-the-job training and makes a commitment to obtaining higher education.

            Field service technicians install systems in a healthcare facility, including medical software, electronic and mechanical tests, as well as perform yearly maintenance of systems in hospitals and clinics. Field service technicians also maintain records of medical equipment, train technical staff on numerous medical devices and techniques, and provide customer service for troubleshooting technical problems. A person interested in a career as a field service technician must possess a high school diploma, but an associate degree in biomedical technology is preferred. A field service technician must have mechanical and technical training and be computer literate.
            Because of the two kinds of careers, doctors can operate the medical equipment or instrument safely and conveniently.

What Equipment Is Needed For a Medical Lab?

                  Medical laboratories have to perform a variety of complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic and bacteriological tests on a routine basis. Test results also have to be evaluated. For performing these day to day applications efficiently and accurately, a medical lab needs a wide range of equipment. Leading distributors of medical laboratory equipment in the US offer sophisticated models of new and recertified lab devices at competitive prices to meet their analytical and diagnostic requirements.Standard Medical Lab Equipment ensures Consistent Performance.
           The accuracy of medical diagnostic results mainly depends on the kind of laboratory equipment used to carry out the analysis.  Devices that work well and are durable allow clinical facilities to complete the diverse research functions within the specified time limit and to deliver accurate evaluation reports. The array of equipment that established medical labs would have include: Hematology analyzers, Chemistry analyzers, Blood gas analyzers, Microplate readers/washers, Histology and cytology equipment, Differential counters, Urinalysis analyzers, Immunoassay analyzers, and more
Reliability and steadiness in performance are the important factors when it comes to buying medical laboratory equipment. Lab appliances that meet the prescribed standards would be free from flaws, and ensure smooth and consistent performance.
         
       New and Recertified EquipmentMedical labs can choose to go in for either brand new or refurbished equipment. The choice would depend on their specific requirements and budget constraints. Though new devices are expensive, they ensure consistent performance and durability. New devices would also help researchers get acquainted with the latest technology.Recertified medical lab equipment is an affordable option for small labs and for facilities facing budget constraints. Though available at prices much lower than new, these devices offer steady performance and deliver accurate test results. Before they are offered for sale, used devices are refurbished and recertified. Factory-trained technicians first inspect the device and if flaws are detected, they are set right following original manufacturer specifications. Once the revamping procedures are complete, these appliances are retested, and if the performance is satisfactory, they are packed, recertified and put up for sale with proper service contracts and extended warranty.

The 5 Ds that Make Patients Bad Partners in Healthcare

From the point view of patient's, an important focus of healthcare reform is to  directly

interact with their healthcare decisions. While this is a laudable goal, there are a number

barriers need to be cleared in order to make it viable. Why most patients are not good

partners when it comes to healthcare decisions for themselves or loved ones? I believe there

are at least five reasons:

Distress
Patients come to a physician typically only after a disease or process has progressed to the

point that it is no longer comfortable for them to ignore it. This distress, by itself, puts

the patient at a disadvantage for making judgments and assessing importance.

Denial
When faced with any significant issue, particularly one affecting health, most patients move

relatively quickly through the phases of grief, from shock to denial. Feelings like, “it's

not that bad,” or, “that doctor doesn't know what he's talking about,” are common. Denying

the disease itself or the cause of the disease frequently leads to treating symptoms and not

the illness.

Dollar
When presented with different options for therapy or diagnosis, cost is frequently never

discussed. When it is, the more subjective idea of the "value" of each alternative is more

difficult to convey. This is because physicians and other providers have spent years in

school trying to get a handle on just that question.

Data
Patients, armed with the latest Google search present themselves to their provider with a

complaint list and everything they "know" about their illness. Physicians can have difficulty

sorting through what is true or reasonably true versus the latest ad, wrapped up as real

information.

Dose
From the radiology standpoint, patients are being told that their diagnostic examination will

lead to cancer — at least that's what many remember from the latest media blast. In ALARA

terms, sometimes the highest dosage radiology examination( taken by a mobile x ray machine, c

arm, digital x ray machine, etc), is the one has the biggest value. The exam with the least

value and lowest cost offen has the lowest dose and sometimes it's a mixture of highest cost

— lowest value or lowest cost moderate value.

Bone age study (2)

          The bone age study can help evaluate how fast or slowly a child's skeleton is maturing, which can help doctors diagnose conditions that delay or accelerate physical growth and development. This test is usually ordered by pediatricians or pediatric endocrinologists.

Bone age can be used to predict:

· how much time a child will be growing

· when a child will enter puberty

· what the child's ultimate height will be

The test is also used to monitor progress and guide treatment of kids with conditions that affect growth. Conditions for which a doctor will usually check and track a child's bone age include:

· diseases that affect the levels of hormones involved in growth, such as growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, precocious puberty, and adrenal gland disorders

· genetic growth disorders, such as Turner syndrome (TS)

· orthopedic or orthodontic problems in which the timing and type of treatment (surgery, bracing, etc.) must be guided by the child's predicted growth

Through an x ray machine (mobile x ray machine or stationary x ray machine), can the bone age study can be done.

CR and DR triumph over conventional techniques (2)

             CR was the first digital radiographic technique to be introduced. Systems are based on an
imaging plate that is similar to the amplifier screen of a conventional radiography unit. The
difference is that this storage phosphor imaging plate retains information from incident
photons as a latent image. This image can then be retrieved following stimulation by a readout
laser.
             The first CR systems required more dose than screen-film systems to achieve a similar clinical
performance. But these systems did allow the radiation dose to be varied. This meant that the
dose could be reduced substantially in situations where reduced image quality was acceptable.
             Continuous improvements to the detector material and readout technology have led to substantial
gains in dose efficiency and enhanced spatial resolution. Innovations include dual readout
technology and needle-crystalline detectors. The dose efficiency of CR systems is now
approaching that of DR (mobile x ray machine) systems.

Why are lobsters being used in new X-ray technologies?

       The latest adv­ance in the war against hidden bombs, lurking cockroaches and illegal immigr­ants comes straight from the floor of the ocean. Lobsters possess one of the most unique vision systems in the animal world, and researchers are working on adapting that system to X-ray scanners that will make steel walls about as opaque as tissue paper.

        X-rays are a form of electromagnetic energy. The spectrum of electromagnetic energy also includes radio waves and visible light. Some materials absorb X-rays, others reflect them and others let them pass through, refracting the beams so that they bend. Refracted X-rays exit the material at a different angle than the one at which they hit.

       A typical X-ray system uses an X-ray generator, which produces a beam of X-rays, and a detection medium (an optic system). To make an image, X-rays are fired at an object. Some of the X-rays pass through the object and are refracted. Other X-ra­ys are absorbed completely, and some are reflected. The detection medium "sees" the X-rays that pass through the object.

       This system works well, but it's not ideal. First, the refracted X-rays are bending at different angles, so it's difficult for the optics to effectively collect and focus them. Second, since the refraction makes the system less efficient, the X-rays have to be pretty high-powered in order for the optics to gather enough energy to form an image. And high-power X-rays aren't the safest thing in the world.

       The eyes of humans and other animals also rely on refraction. But not lobsters. The way a lobster perceives light is different, and it's a visual system that's almost entirely unique to crustaceans. So what makes lobster vision so special? Next, find out why the eye of a lobster is a lesson in visual efficiency