Carestream’s Newest Image Acquisition/Mini-PACS Software Adds Support for DR Imaging Systems

Carestream’s newest version of Image Suite Software offers a flexible image acquisition, processing and storage platform that now supports CARESTREAM wireless DR as well as CR imaging systems, and an optional mini-PACS. Image Suite offers Web-based patient scheduling, image review and reporting, and flexible archiving solutions.

Unveiled the same week as The International Day of Radiology<http://www.internationaldayofradiology.com/>, this versatile offering is ideal for urgent care centers, imaging clinics and a broad range of physicians and specialists, including orthopaedists, podiatrists and chiropractors. The new software is available worldwide.

“We offer a flexible platform for customers who want to move from CR to DR or from film to digital imaging. Our software offers the same user interface and workflow for both modalities, which reduces training time and makes the transition easier,” said Heidi McIntosh, Carestream’s Global Marketing Manager for X-ray Solutions. “Existing Image Suite users can upgrade to DR technology with a minimal investment because they keep the same console and software platforms and just add a DR detector and license.”

The software now supports images captured by Carestream’s wireless DR systems using the DRX-1 and new small format DRX 2530C (25 x 30 cm) detectors, as well as Carestream’s tethered TDR 3543 detector and TDR 3543C detector that are available in select markets. This is in addition to the current support of the DIRECTVIEW Classic CR<http://www.carestream.com/directview-classic-cr-system.html> and the DIRECTVIEW Vita family of CR<http://www.carestream.com/computed-radiography/vita-cr-systems.html> systems.

Carestream’s optional mini-PACS delivers advanced reading and reporting tools—and the newest software also delivers the ability to view imaging studies on mobile tablets such as iPads in select countries outside of the U.S. The system also supports a wide variety of specialty measurement tools including Lippman-Cobb angle, goniometry and coxometry.

Other new Image Suite software upgrades include:

• Vendor-neutral exposure index value for each image so technologists can see if they are within the exposure range.
• Hardware and software that can automatically acquire DAP and technique information from multiple vendors’ generators and DAPs. This eliminates the need for manual data entry; and
• Supports transfer of images to OrthoView™ software<http://us.orthoview.com/> for pre-operative orthopaedic planning and templating.

Software Supports Enhanced Image Sharing Capabilities

Image Suite also features new CARESTREAM OmniLink Software<http://www.carestream.com/image-suite-software.html> that can provide secure Web-based transmission of imaging studies and deliver many of the capabilities of a virtual private network at a fraction of the cost. OmniLink Software enhances the sharing of images by offering rapid transmission speeds, high-level security features, and the ability to compress and encrypt files for transmission. This software notifies the sender and receiver when an imaging study is received and alerts the sender if the file is not received. It also supports transmitting image to a PACS using cell phones or mobile devices for healthcare facilities outside of the U.S.

Image Suite systems provide DICOM storage for MR, CT and ultrasound exams and reporting software allows users to create, edit and view reports attached to studies. Users can output imaging exams to CD/DVDs, DICOM printers and other PACS systems. Imaging services providers of all sizes can minimize capital investment and achieve obsolescence protection by purchasing PACS, image sharing and vendor-neutral archiving on a pay-per-use basis with Vue for Cloud-Based Services<http://www.carestream.com/vue-cloud-based-services.html>.

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