Next-Gen X-Ray System Brings ‘Personal Assistant’ to Radiology Departments

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 04 Aug 2022

Image: The Definium 656 HD is the company’s most advanced fixed X-ray system yet (Photo courtesy of GE Healthcare)

X-ray imaging often provides the entry point to diagnostic imaging - accounting for 60% of all imaging studies conducted. As a result, X-ray technologists, radiologists and radiology administrators are required to manage an ever-increasing caseload, while facing challenges from the heavy lifting, repetitive motions and long hours required that lead to a high work-related musculoskeletal disorders rate, as well as ‘repeat and reject’ rates as high as 25% resulting from variability in patient positioning and exam set up. Now, a next-generation premium fixed X-ray system assists technologists with patient positioning and technique selection to reduce physical workload and improve overall efficiency in order to make the first image count and maximize a technologist’s time with patients.

GE Healthcare (Chicago, IL, USA) has released its most advanced fixed X-ray system yet, the next-generation Definium 656 HD that brings a ‘personal assistant’ to radiology departments. The new overhead tube suspension (OTS) system delivers consistent, highly automated, efficient exams that impart clinical confidence while simplifying workflow, improving consistency, and reducing errors to help keep radiology departments running smoothly.

The Definium 656 HD, featuring the Intelligent Workflow Suite, is a versatile, digital radiographic system powered by GE’s FlashPad HD high resolution detectors and the latest Helix 2.2 advanced image processing software. Combining the highest levels of motorization, automation, assistive intelligence and advanced applications with fastest movement and highest weight capacity in GE Healthcare’s fixed X-ray portfolio, the system acts like a ‘personal assistant’ to help technologists deliver consistent, efficient, and highly automated imaging exams that impart clinical confidence across the radiology department, while also improving overall patient experience by keeping workflow control in the room for healthcare providers.

To address the day-to-day physical demands of technologists, the next-generation Definium 656 HD helps reduce patient positioning time, physical workload, errors and image retakes through easy-to-use features that speed up the imaging process without compromising image quality. To address ‘repeat and reject’ rates that can negatively impact day-to-day clinical operations as well as give radiologists the views they need to make clinical decisions with confidence, the Definium 656 HD also features high-quality detectors, advanced applications, and AI-driven image processing to reduce variability and provides optimal image quality.

“This new offering enables healthcare providers to benefit from the highest levels of motorization, automation, assistive intelligence, and advanced applications offered to date in GE Healthcare’s fixed X-ray portfolio. Not only does this system provide optimal image quality, but it can also reduce the physical workload for technologists and streamline the overall exam workflow,” said Tanya Lancaster, General Manager for Fixed X-ray. “While addressing some of the key challenges technologist and radiologist face, Definium 656 HD can help improve department efficiency along with staff and patient experience. With our next-generation Definium 656 HD, we are excited to deliver our latest in patient-centric innovation to help our customers make every image count.”

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GE Healthcare