New concepts for digital imaging

At four locations (Waidhofen/Thaya, Horn, Gmünd, and Zwettl) investments were made that resulted in direct advantages for the patients. Specialization and intelligent connection of the locations made sure that every report can now be called off on the fly and is integrated into the treatment history immediately. Since modern diagnostics in the area of radiology make the use of digital image files essential, the implementation of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) together with EIZO monitors provided an ideal basis. The use of EIZO monitors as a part of the PACS and RIS (Radiological Information System), which was specially designed and provided by GE, brought on a technical change of generations for the praxis of radiological diagnostics.

At the location Waidhofen/Thaya, EIZO dual screen solutions RadiForce GX340 are being used to the complete satisfaction of the radiology team. The leading radiology technologist, Susanne Schuster, speaks of the successful integration and significant change in the area of image viewing and diagnostic technology.

A  resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels (3 megapixel) make a detailed, exact reproduction of chest and cranial images possible – whether they were created using conventional detector technique or CT – and due to the high luminance of 500 cd/m², the image quality is perfect.

Consequently, several diagnostic stations were equipped with GX340 monitors. In order to integrate a presentation seamlessly into the existing workflow of the department for radiology, a presentation room with two workstations was also equipped with EIZO RadiForce Dual LX470W. Meetings and presentations can now be visualized directly from PACS or RIS. It is also great for conferences.

The EIZO 47-inch LCD monitors with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 (full HD) can easily depict a maximum luminance of 700 cd/m² – a quality that makes them ideal for medical imaging. Additionally, the wide angle of vision ensures that several persons can see images that are shown simultaneously in the highest quality and with only minimal color deviation.

In order to establish consistent standards, several houses were equipped with the same configuration. The use of technology from one source ensures an efficient workflow. The commitment and comprehensive preparation by Ing. Alexander Bernegger, the project manager of the PACS W4 group, GE Health Care sales manager Werner Lind, and the radiology team at the hospitals in Waldviertel made the successful realization of this project possible. The departments profit from a technology that fulfills the highest quality standards. Now patients can be treated in a more efficient way and they can use their own resources more efficiently.

The successful switch from analogue to digital x-ray becomes even more visible when one looks at the backlit box which now exists in the shadows, surrounded by EIZO monitors, as a sort of analogue back up system at Landesklinikum Waidhofen.    Health care in Waldviertel has profited enormously from the switch that has taken place in the area of imaging technology within the framework of the PACS project – a switch that was received in a very positive way.The seamless connection of the hospitals with the extramural segment and the optimum usability of EIZO monitors ensure integrated radiological care.