Shopping for an X-ray machine and not sure if you should get a portable device?
It’s a big decision, but we’re here to help.
Our article will cover some of the benefits of portable X-ray machines so you can know why these devices are better than the alternatives. Keep reading to discover more.
1. Affordability
A huge factor is cost. Luckily with portable X-ray equipment, it’s much more affordable than other options on the market.
The affordability factor goes beyond the cost to purchase the machine as well. Portable X-ray machines cut overall transportation costs by limiting taxi or ambulance usage thanks to the ease-of-use and functionality of these machines.
2. Mobility and Portability
Mobility is arguably biggest advantage of portable digital X-rays and hand-held devices.
Portable and hand-held devices can be moved from place-to-place catering for critically ill patients whose visit to the radiographic unit might cause more harm. Additionally, physicians can take them to the site in case of an accident, which helps reduce additional motion by the patient.
Portable X-ray machines also allow physicians to make their diagnoses efficiently and simultaneously as they examine patients.
These devices usually come with wheeled stands or are motorized to help move from place to place. They also don’t need to be plugged in for use. Additionally, some of these systems are easily folded to make it easy for packaging and transportation.
However, on this point, it’s essential to note that hand-held devices come out on top. While you can wheel, motorize, or fold portable machines, hand-held devices are even more convenient as they’re lightweight and even easier to move.
When weighing whether to use a portable versus a traditional X-ray machine, it’s essential to check with your state’s regulations. Every state has different laws about how and where to use portable devices, so triple checking this point before purchase is important.
3. Ease-of-Use
Portable X-ray equipment’s intuitive and efficient design makes them simple and easy to use.
Of course, this is especially important in chaotic situations, such as the scene of an accident or war, where accurate and efficient images are a must for proper healthcare.
The good news is that all it requires to operate a portable device, is turning it on, adjusting the setting and exposure time, and then capturing the image.
Portable machines have software that can help manipulate the image’s brightness and contrast and help the physician to measure minute gaps between bones and angle differences.
Even more, the technologies in these machines allow for sharing images to desktops or laptops, which makes analysis and reporting even more efficient.
4. Safety & Patient Care
Radiation exposure is a chief concern for both practitioners and patients when it comes to safely using X-ray machines. The shield used with a portable device helps protect one from scattered radiation, making it safe for both the patient and the physician.
Further, portable devices lend themselves to ensuring patient safety when compared to a fixed X-ray machine. Patients aren’t required to be transported or moved when receiving an X-ray from a portable device which makes a huge difference when capturing images of someone suffering from traumatic injuries that prohibits or restricts their mobility.
5. Time-Efficient
The new portable x-ray machines offer less processing time and eliminate long waits.
The average time it takes to capture an image is twenty minutes which is way less than traditional X-ray machines. Moreover, reports are transmitted in real-time directly to the physician allowing for quick diagnosis and treatment.
6. Image Quality
While some may tout that poorer-quality images are a problem with portable devices, they’d be wrong. A recent study reveals that only 1 out of 241 images experienced poor exposure and needed to be retaken. The rest of the images proved to be good enough to make a diagnosis. Of course, it’s worth noting that getting quality images of larger people can be a struggle with portable machines.
Portable and hand-held devices may not reach the standard of digital radiography machines installed and used in hospitals. But they provide great quality when used properly and are particularly good at capturing images of extremities.
Looking to Upgrade Your X-Ray Equipment? We Can Help.
Apart from solving mobility issues, it’s clear that portable X-ray machines come up with many other critical benefits without compromising the quality of care for the patient.
At Maven Imaging, we understand every medical practice has unique needs that require individualized solutions. Whatever your specifications, we’re here to help you through the process.
If you’re in the market for a portable X-ray machine, you can get a quote on our website or use our form to contact us. For the quickest result and to speak to someone directly, give us a call today at (800) 949-8015.
