The Complications. The specimen may have to be transported down the hall, to another wing, or even to another building. Once it arrives, busy mammography suite resources, both personnel and equipment, must be made available to image the specimen. If the mammography unit is a film-based system, additional time is then required to process the film. If the stereotactic table imaging system is used to x-ray the specimens, the patient potentially has to be repositioned and undergo the procedure again if a representative sample of the microcalcifications were not removed in the first set of core specimens.
The Solution: Digital Specimen Radiography. Our digital specimen radiography systems, the DX-50 Core or MX-20 can be located directly in the stereotactic suite, only steps from the stereo table. The self-contained systems produce a high-resolution digital image in a matter of seconds that can be viewed on the flat panel monitor to ensure that the core specimens contain microcalcifications. The images can also be sent to a PACS network for archival and hardcopy printing. If portability is required for use in multiple suites or space in the stereo suite is at a premium, the DX-50 Core is the best choice. If film capability or significant additional magnification is desired, the MX-20 is the best choice.
Radiologist Testimonials
“I just wanted to say thanks for convincing me to add the Faxitron DX-50 Core unit to our department’s capabilities. I can’t believe we ever did a stereotactic biopsy without one (and we will never again)! I initially considered this a desirable luxury but after having used the system I would reclassify it as near-necessity. The DX-50 significantly shortens the procedure time, which has greatly improved patient comfort, and also improves throughput as we are not waiting for or tying up a standard mammogram unit.”
Dr. Bruce Schroeder, Radiologist
“After a thorough review of specimen radiography systems offered by Faxitron and others, we opted for the Faxitron DX-50. The 5 cm by 5 cm DC5 camera is modest in size and cost; it’s ideal for use in stereotactic breast biopsies, which is our application. Located right in the stereotactic suite, the DX-50 enables us to identify calcifications within several seconds and has greatly improved throughput. Technologists and radiologists are very pleased with it. Personally, I don’t know what we would do without it.”
Dr. Kathy Schilling, Radiologist
The Benefits.
For the patient:
- Minimizes overall time patient is in prone position and/or breast is in compression
- Reduces time required to determine if additional specimens are necessary
For the surgeon, OR staff, and facility:
- Improved standard of care for patient
- Shorter procedure time frees up doctors, staff, and suite for other patients
- Significant cost savings per procedure
Why Faxitron?
Faxitron specimen radiography systems have been in use for more than 30 years with more than 5,000 units installed in hospitals and laboratories worldwide. In 1998, we introduced the first CCD-based digital specimen radiography unit and continue to be at the forefront of digital radiography today. Our 5 cm x 5 cm and 12 cm x 12 cm cameras are single-chip CMOS detectors directly deposited with cesium iodide for the scintillator. This, in conjunction with the smallest focal spot sources on the market and our easy-to-use software with advanced Automatic Exposure Control, delivers superior images the first time, every time, in less time.
Whether your need is for a portable system or a conventional desktop specimen radiography system, Faxitron provides a unit that will meet your needs.
