In the constantly evolving world of healthcare and medical imaging, what’s new today could be in need of an upgrade tomorrow. It’s a challenge many hospitals and radiology offices face as they attempt to keep up with advancing technology. It’s also a primary consideration when hospitals and clinics decide to replace or update their existing equipment. When budgets are tight, many
One of the important areas that is often over looked are the diagnostic monitors connected to X-Ray, MRI, mammography and other radiology equipment. Unfortunately there are many hospitals and clinics that have chosen to take a wait and see approach with making updates to these diagnostic monitors. However, what many hospital and medical imaging administrators are coming to realize is that updating the diagnostic monitors is also a cost effective way to extend the life of certain radiology equipment, improve results and make diagnosis easier for doctors and technicians.
In 2005 the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Association of Physicists in Medicine(AAPM) and the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine(SIIM) joined together to develop guidelines and make recommendations that apply to diagnostic monitors. These organizations examined the current state of diagnostic monitoring equipment. In their report, Assessment of display performance for medical imaging systems, the AAPM Task Group 18 (TG-18) stated:
“Considering the fundamental importance of image quality to the overall effectiveness of a diagnostic imaging practice, it is vitally important to assure that electronic display devices (also termed softcopy displays) do not compromise image quality as a number of studies have suggested.”
Recognizing the growing fidelity of X-Ray, MRI, mammography and other radiological technology, the group created new standards that could insure the accurate diagnosis and interpretation of medical imaging results for years to come. The results and suggestions of this 2005 study were widely adopted across the United States. However in 2012 the group again updated these technical standards to address the huge advancements in display technology. Notable changes in 2012 take into account many of the features we currently take for granted in our own homes but have not yet found their way into the workplace.
Unfortunately when the updated guidelines were introduced in 2012, the task group did not create requirements for when these updated standards needed to be implemented. Now years after the updated standards were introduced there are few organizations that have fully implemented the diagnostic display upgrades. The 2005 standards are still predominant.
There are many reasons it’s in an organization’s best interest to adopt the 2012 guidelines now.
At Atlantis Worldwide we encourage you to take the time to examine the specifications on your X-Ray, MRI, mammography and other radiology equipment and see if your diagnostic monitors meet the 2012 standards. Depending on when you purchased your equipment (and who you purchased it from) you may already be good to go. If you discover that your monitors are in need of upgrade, make the smart decision to contact Atlantis Worldwide. Our knowledgeable team of engineers and technicians are up to date with the latest guidelines and specifications and can make sure you purchase the right diagnostic monitors for your organization.
Future proof your radiology equipment today.
Contact Jeff Weiss at 212-366-9100 or jeffweiss@atlantisworldwide.com
Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay