Dual-energy images improved line and tube tip visibility and confidence in diagnoses without adding extra reading time
WATERLOO, ON – (Dec 8, 2022) – KA Imaging’s dual-energy technology (branded as SpectralDR™) has been shown to improve reading efficiency in non-radiological environments. The study “Added diagnostic value of portable dual-energy chest X-ray in a non-radiological reviewing environment” was presented as an education exhibit at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 meeting.
Presented by radiologist Dr. Patrik Rogalla and Dr. Karim S. Karim, CTO of KA Imaging, the research surveyed 9 international reviewers on 28 portable X-rays. The readers had a variety of experience levels – students, residents, attending physicians and a fellow. No history was provided.
The objective was to measure their performance reading Digital Radiography (DR) and compare it to how they performed when Dual-Energy (DE) images were given. The summary of findings presented positive outcomes in 3 different aspects: the change in median reading time for single DR versus three images was statistically insignificant; lines and tubes were better visualized; and dual-energy images markedly increased confidence for the majority of readers.
“There are point of care settings within hospitals where access to a high-performance medical monitor is limited. The regular and spectral radiographic dual-energy images obtained from the Reveal™ 35C detector can help increase confidence for a variety of readers without adding extra reading time in these situations,” explained Dr. Karim.
“Our findings show that single exposure, dual-energy, portable X-ray is a promising technology that has the potential to improve the diagnostic value of chest X-ray,” said Dr. Rogalla.
All the portable X-rays were taken using KA Imaging’s Reveal™ 35C detector. Powered by the company’s patented SpectralDR™ technology, Reveal™ 35C enables dual-energy subtraction, providing bone and tissue differentiation with a single standard X-ray exposure. It acquires three images simultaneously (DR, bone and soft tissue dual-energy X-ray images). The technology also has the potential to reduce patient dose due to the industry leading DQE of the Reveal™ 35C detector, and uses identical clinical techniques associated with state-of-the-art mobile DR X-ray, without disrupting existing workflows.
About KA Imaging
A spin-off from the University of Waterloo, KA Imaging specializes in developing innovative X-ray imaging technologies and systems, providing solutions to the medical, veterinary, and non-destructive test industrial markets. For more information, please visit www.kaimaging.com.
