When first looking at an X-ray system, flexibility and workflow enhancements may seem to be benefits for only the clinical staff. However, these efficiency improvements can impact the health and well being of the patients being imaged on the system, too.

The Optima XR640 from GE Healthcare helps clinicians at The Vancouver Clinic clearly see the internal structure of their patients to view injuries and abnormalities and confidently prescribe the best treatment. The flexibility of the hardware components simplifies patient positioning. "Patients in wheelchairs or those with physical limitations will appreciate the speed at which we can position them for X-rays," says Dr. Howard Nelson, Department Chair for Imaging. He adds that the detector is moveable, and can be used with the wall stand or with the table, without interfering with patient positioning and comfort.

The Optima XR640 system is digital, capturing the X-ray images on a digital detector instead of on film. As with digital consumer cameras, digital X-rays are fast and provide almost instant, high-quality patient images. What's more, the radiation dose can be lower than on film-based X-ray systems, and it eliminates the use and disposal of processing film and chemicals thus reducing our carbon footprint.

Because it's computer driven, the digital X-ray has software tools that save doctor time and patient inconvenience while detailing anatomical structures clearly. For example, in a single sweep, it captures multiple images of long bones such as the legs or spine, and then combines them into one seamless image for easy viewing and diagnosis. Doctors find this tool useful for fracture analysis in the long bones or scoliosis studies of the spine.

The Optima XR640 is an incredible addition to the imaging services we can provide at The Vancouver Clinic. By speeding the examination process, we enhance the productivity of our staff and physicians, while maximizing the comfort and confidence of the patient.