Carestream Health, India has introduced the radiology industry's first wireless DR detector that is the size of a standard cassette and can be mounted on existing arrangements in X-Ray laboratories without modification. The Carestream DRX-1 System was launched in Mumbai for the Indian radiology community, closely following its international launch.

The Carestream DRX-1 System incorporates a console and a wireless 14 x 17 inch (35x43 cm) cassette-size digital radiography (DR) detector that provides a rapid, affordable conversion for users of radiographic film or computed radiography systems. It requires no modifications to existing analog equipment-which results in very low installation costs-and a healthcare facility can utilize one detector for nearly all types of exams where a traditional cassette would be used. The DRX-1 system delivers high-quality preview images in under five seconds, which significantly improves productivity, even for users of computed radiography (CR) systems.

Speaking at the event held in Mumbai to showcase the new detector to the radiology community, Carestream Health's worldwide business manager for DR Systems Paulo Lombardi said, "This innovative wireless detector presents an extremely attractive option for facilities that want to improve productivity and image quality in existing film or CR rooms, but do not have the budget for equipment replacement."

Dr Mohan Nadkarni, director and country business manager, Carestream Health India, highlighted this feature as most suitable for a very large number of X-Ray faculties in the country, which cannot afford to scarp their existing equipment. "No modifications to existing x-ray systems are needed and facilities can continue to use the Bucky with CR or film-based cassettes if desired. In addition, the wireless functionality of the DRX-1 can improve efficiency by allowing a much more flexible workflow to meet the specialized needs of each individual facility," said Nadkarni. "Our solutions are designed to make life easier for the radiologists, while improving the quality and cost of patient care.

The DRX-1 system-suitable for general radiology, trauma, orthopaedics and virtually all other x-ray exams-incorporates the same innovative software and image processing capability as Carestream Health's KODAK DirectView CR and DR systems and, therefore, will deliver image quality and workflow consistent with these systems.

Because this DR detector is a wireless cassette, it provides flexible positioning that enhances both efficiency and patient comfort. The detector can be used wherever it is needed - in the wall stand Bucky, table Bucky or for tabletop shots and other difficult views. With a weight of 8.5 pounds, the detector is up to 30 percent lighter and up to 50 percent smaller than other portable detectors. Its compact size and light weight further enhance convenience and throughput for radiology professionals.

Carestream Health, Inc. markets a broad portfolio of CR and DR systems that equips hospitals, outpatient imaging centres, orthopaedic practices and other healthcare providers with digital image capture for x-ray imaging studies. Carestream Health's laser imagers range from desktop systems designed for imaging centres, small hospitals and clinics to fully featured units designed for high volume, multi-modality output at hospitals of all sizes. These imagers offer output from PACS, CT, MRI, computed radiography and digital radiography systems, and other grayscale imaging applications.

In India, the company's Indian subsidiary Carestream Health India commenced independent operations in May 2007. Since then, the business has grown to about Rs 200 crore in 2007. Carestream Health India has a comprehensive portfolio of medical imaging and healthcare IT products, services, and solutions, as well as the latest in x-ray films, laser films, computed radiography (CR) systems and medical laser printers.

Solutions from Carestream Health can be found in approximately 90 per cent of hospitals and dental practices around the world. In addition, more than 75 per cent of the company's revenue comes from products that enjoy a number one market position. Carestream Health, Inc has more than 8,100 employees serving tens of thousands of customers in 150 countries.

Carestream Health, Inc, is a leading provider of dental and medical imaging systems and healthcare IT solutions; molecular imaging systems for the life science research and drug discovery/development market segments; and x-ray film and digital x-ray products for the non-destructive testing market.