February 2007

Sherman radiology department converts to digital X‑rays

Sherman has begun making the transition to digital X‑ray processing, using a $350,000 capital investment to upgrade the radiology department's technology and to improve course presentation, intern learning experiences and patient service and care. Total conversion is expected to be complete by July 2007.

"Sherman students will be learning the newest technology available, both in X‑ray courses and in practical applications as interns in our on‑campus Chiropractic Health Center," said Department Chair Laura Greene‑Orndorff,, DC, RT. "This is a great advance in both the information and convenience it provides."

Most radiology experts predict that X‑ray films, darkrooms, chemicals and developers will be phased out in the near future, joining 35mm camera film, VHS tapes and audio cassettes.

The move to digital will have several important benefits for students and the community served by Sherman. With digital processing, images can be taken faster and results are immediately available for interns and staff doctors. The overall quality is enhanced as well, since technical errors in contrast and density can be adjusted at the terminal.

Sherman listed several other benefits, including:

***  Radiographic information will be more secure from loss and unauthorized viewing

***  Analytical tools and templates such as those for Atlas Orthogonal analysis are available through the Viztek X‑ray analysis software, and individual analyses are stored in separate data files that can be used without affecting the original image. Marking images in this manner is also estimated to save up to 20 minutes on some studies (tools include window/level, magnify/zoom, flip, rotate, pan, horizontal/vertical compare, multiple screen viewing, annotations, measurements, presets, cut‑lines, 3‑D slices, CD burning and more). The college will purchase Blair analysis software and 3‑D viewing instruments.

***  The cost of this new technology will be offset somewhat by savings in film, processor maintenance, chemicals, filing supplies and filing room labor.

***  Time and physical space used for filing and viewing X‑ray films will slowly diminish.

***  Community service will be improved as Sherman plans to expand its radiography service to field practitioners by offering same‑day service on taking and interpreting radiographs. Radiographs and interpretations will be sent immediately to the referring doctor via e‑mail and radiographs can be viewed on any quality computer monitor.

Recognizing that not all students may be able to afford this technology immediately following graduation, Sherman College will continue to teach traditional X‑ray processing. The college retains the capability of taking film X‑rays because the X‑ray unit remains the same. X‑ray analysis courses will focus on the new digital process to be used in the Sherman College Chiropractic Health Center.

As is the case with other technological advances, the cost of digital imaging is expected soon to be within the reach of the practitioner in the field. To prepare practicing chiropractors with the background knowledge necessary to approach this technology, the X‑ray department will present a special workshop on digital X‑ray for doctors attending Sherman College Lyceum 2007, to be held May 24‑27 on the college campus.

The college's first Orex CR digital reader was installed mid‑January, along with a diagnostic work station including side‑by‑side 14x17 viewers. An additional part of this upgrade includes converting one of the college's X‑ray "viewbox‑reading" classrooms to a computer lab for X‑ray analysis. Computer stations also will be added to the student clinic and the intern ready room for the sole purpose of digital X‑ray analysis.