Digital radiography (DR) is a commonly used examination method in radiology. It is mainly used for the preliminary diagnosis of diseases related to the skeletal system, mediastinum, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and digestive system. It is suitable for imaging the chest, abdomen, skull, limbs, and other parts of the body. Compared to traditional film-based examinations, DR offers lower radiation exposure, shorter examination times, and higher image quality.
Components of Digital Radiography (DR):
Structurally, DR consists of the following parts: an X-ray high-voltage generator, an X-ray tube, a flat-panel detector, a machine frame, and an image processing system.
Advantages of Digital Radiography (DR):
It allows for direct data acquisition during imaging. X-rays pass through the body and are projected onto the detector, which converts the image information into digital data and transmits it synchronously. The data is then processed by software for image post-processing.
Grid in Digital Radiography:
A grid is a common component in DR. After X-rays pass through the body, secondary radiation, known as scatter radiation, is produced, which has longer wavelengths and uncertain directions. The higher the energy of the primary radiation, the thicker the body part penetrated, and the higher the exposure conditions, the more scatter radiation is produced. Scatter radiation can cause film fogging, reducing image contrast and clarity.
To reduce and eliminate the adverse effects of scatter radiation during imaging, an effective method is to use a grid. A grid helps filter out scatter radiation, reduce fogging, and improve contrast, resulting in clearer and sharper images.
Purpose of the Removable Grid Design in DR:
While a grid can filter out scatter radiation, it also absorbs some useful radiation, leading to an increase in dose. The thicker the patient’s affected area, the more scatter radiation there is, and the more necessary a grid becomes. However, in cases where the area is relatively thin, such as the torso of a child or the limbs of an adult, scatter radiation is minimal, and removing the grid does not affect image quality but significantly reduces radiation dose.
Considering this, many manufacturers have incorporated a removable grid design in their DR equipment. For example, Perlove’s digital radiography DR system includes a removable grid that can be detached based on clinical needs. This feature is particularly beneficial for examinations involving children or low-dose areas, providing better care for patients. Combined with a Dose Area Product (DAP) monitoring system, which displays the cumulative radiation dose absorbed during a single examination, it helps control radiation risks and protect patient health.
DAP Monitoring System:
DAP refers to the product of the cumulative radiation dose and the irradiated area, representing the total number of X-rays passing through the body. Since healthcare workers are exposed to secondary radiation generated when the primary beam passes through the patient, the radiation dose they receive is closely related to the patient’s DAP. With a DAP radiation dose monitoring system, the intensity of radiation dose during a single exposure can be displayed in real time on the image, enabling doctors to monitor radiation levels and effectively control dose intake, providing better health protection for both healthcare providers and patients.
As a professional imaging equipment manufacturer in China, Perlove Medical is deeply concerned with minimizing X-ray radiation doses while ensuring high-quality images. By refining technology and optimizing design, Perlove’s digital radiography DR provides a safer low-dose management solution for healthcare professionals and patients.
