Digital radiography is the current buzzword in veterinary medicine. The technology encompasses computed radiography, direct digital radiography and charge couple devices, and offers many obvious benefits – in addition to other benefits you may not yet know about.
It’s important to understand the unforeseen costs of transitioning to digital radiography and to physically prepare your practice for the technology. Be sure to carefully plan all aspects of your digital radiography installation before purchasing a system for your hospital.
Benefits of Going Digital
Obvious benefits of digital radiography are the ability to “fix” radiographs that have been over or under exposed, faster image processing time, and elimination of the costs and hazards of film and processing chemicals. Some of the less obvious benefits include an improved staff attitude towards performing radiographic studies, which can translate into more radiographic procedures performed per month, and no problems with lost, misplaced, or ruined films. In addition, digital radiography can increase the speed of radiograph consultations while requiring minimal dedicated space since it eliminates the need for darkrooms and film storage areas, freeing up these areas for other uses.
Equipment Needs and Costs
These benefits and cost savings are well established and understood. However, if your practice is considering going digital there may be unforeseen costs associated with the digital transition. Most importantly, a hospital must be equipped to handle image viewing for the doctors, staff and clients. Additional computer workstations may be needed for doctors to review cases during surgery, and for staff to ensure radiographs are properly exposed; and in quiet locations for doctors and owners to review radiographic findings.
These workstations are not typically included in the original budget, vendor quote, or hospital design. Each workstation for clients and staff can cost between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on the level of technology purchased and software licensing fees. Some software programs require a yearly license fee that can cost $500 to $1,000 per workstation.
At an absolute minimum, hospitals should plan to have one doctor’s viewing station, an operating room viewing station, one staff viewing station, and client viewing stations that are readily accessible. The staff, client and operating room viewing stations can utilize an off-the-shelf monitor, but it is recommended that the doctor’s viewing station incorporate at least one medical grade gray scale monitor for primary radiographic interpretation. Medical grade gray scale monitors are two to five mega pixel monitors that are much brighter than consumer grade monitors. These medical grade monitors cost $4,000 or more per monitor but are worth the expense.
Finally, some hospitals may have to upgrade their computer network, hire an IT consultant to help with the transition, and/or upgrade their Internet connection to allow for offsite backup and teleradiology.

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