Carestream Dental is working to ease the transition to digital imaging with a computed radiography (CR) system designed to bridge the gap between conventional and digital x-ray imaging.
The CS 7600, which made its official U.S. debut last month at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, comprises a scanner, reusable phosphor plates, acquisition software, disposable hygienic barrier envelopes, and an optional Scan & Go device.
The CS 7600 comprises a scanner, re-usable phosphor plates, acquisition software, disposable hygienic barrier envelopes, and optional Scan & Go device. Image courtesy of Carestream Dental.It is designed to capture, digitize, display, and store intraoral radiographic images and improve workflow in the process. The phosphor plates are exposed in the same way as traditional x-ray film; the images are then fed into the compact CR system and scanned using a laser. The image data from the plates is digitized, and the images are displayed on a monitor and saved to the user's computer.
The thin, flexible plates, size 0 to 4, are as easy to place as film and comfortable for patients, without a cable to interfere with positioning, according to Carestream. The plates are scratch-resistant, strong enough to withstand a drop on the floor, and can be reused up to 1,000 times with proper handling, according to Wesley Newsom, senior product manager for imaging at Carestream.
The CS 7600 system is capable of scanning the phosphor plates at various speeds, sizes, and resolutions. The system features up to 25 lp/mm resolution, with an image viewable in as little as five seconds. Once an imaging plate is scanned, the image data is automatically erased from the plate and the plate ejected for reuse.
Embedded RFID technology
The system also includes an optional Scan & Go system, which uses "smart plates" embedded with RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to electronically link the plates with the corresponding patient information and automatically route the scanned images to the proper computer and patient file. Plates can be scanned in any order with minimal user intervention, according to Carestream.
"By putting a Scan & Go device in each operatory, the practice only needs one CS 7600," Newsom told DrBicuspid.com.
The CS 7600 also enhances workflow by allowing practitioners to scan and display full mouth series, according to Carestream. Up to 18 images can be scanned and displayed in fewer than two minutes. Images also can be previewed on the unit for instant feedback on the success of the exam.
"The CS 7600 supports bulk scanning of mixed patient plates, removing the risk of operator mistakes and reducing downtime," said Edward Shellard, DMD, chief marketing officer and director of business development for Carestream Dental, in a company press release. "The CS 7600's user-friendly operation automatically detects improper plate orientation, providing clear instructions for correction on a large-format color display."
The CS 7600 is designed for chairside and shared use, and it can be installed wherever it will best serve patients -- even under a desktop or mounted to a wall, the company noted. The unit does not require a computer to run and can be easily connected to a network.
"The CS 7600 is simple to use and raises the bar on phosphor plate scanners," Marty Jablow, DMD, who saw a demonstration of the new Carestream CS7600 at the Chicago Midwinter meeting, told DrBicuspid.com.
