X-Ray Machines

Re: X-Ray Machines

Wren — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:05 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]

How many xrays do you usually shoot in a given month?

[/quote]

It's difficult to answer that. The kit is so decrepit that it put me off taking them so a number of opportunities were passed over. I would expect with a decent set up we could quickly double our usage. I'd guess it would get used once a week or less, usually a few films at a time. Sods law it breaks when had a hip score anaesthetised yesterday and had a dog coming in today for some follow up rads that we have put off.

[/quote]

I would agree with this. I don't do many small animal X-rays but when we changed from a decrepit 23kg machine to a new (but still non-digital) 6.5kg machine my equine radiography rate probably tripled. All those laminitics that I would have just managed medically are now crying out to be radiogrphed.... and then managed medically

Re: X-Ray Machines

mariette asselbergs — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:51:39 GMT

In a moment of hubris I bought a non digital second hand xray machine two years ago, but we don't have the numbers of patients to use it economicallty. It is in our way and you are welcome to come and collect it for free if you want (Tenbury Wells).

Mariette

Re: X-Ray Machines

Rob Davis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:58:36 GMT

We recently bought a new maching from Veterinary X-rays and have been very happy with it. We have a similar model at our other surgery which has been there and trouble free for several years. It is mounted on a mobile ceiling bracket, but can be taken down for LA/equine use. If I remember correctly I think we paid around £8000 for it.

Re: X-Ray Machines

Bob Russell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:07:41 GMT

We have an ex-hospital CR machine (apparently ex-Ortho dept John Radcliffe Oxford!). It is a bit of a TARDIS but produces absolutely unbelievable images! It was not hideously expensive but makes X-ray taking a pleasure. We can process four plates at a time if we really want to!

I suspect this is better than cheap DR systems. We love it!!!

Re: X-Ray Machines

Christopher Saul — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:20:13 GMT

If you can't afford full on DR had you considered CR? This uses a conventional x ray unit but has digital cassettes which are plugged into a computer to generate the images. I think it's a cheaper option than DR and in some respects is the best of both worlds.

When thinking about conventional film radiography, as well as the cost of all the chemicals, you have to think of the time it takes your nursing staff to develop the film, change the chemicals etc.....

Re: X-Ray Machines

Rob Loxley — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:44:31 GMT

Try Phil at Medigraph Imaging, or BCF Technology, or A. Somerville

Re: X-Ray Machines

Bob Russell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:47:03 GMT

Try Paul at Photon. We have a Korean X-ray unit that has given us faultless service for about 7 years. 01285 869869.

I suspect most units are built like tanks and it may be the case that you chose based on quality of support/service. Going digital will cost a lot but you will be far more inclined to take pictures because they are so much easier!

Re: X-Ray Machines

Michael Woodhouse — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:41:24 GMT

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]

How many xrays do you usually shoot in a given month?

[/quote]

Re: X-Ray Machines

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:16:20 GMT

How many xrays do you usually shoot in a given month?

Re: X-Ray Machines

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:03:17 GMT

Sadly no advice really but I'm facing the same dilemma, my machine is nearly 25 years old but apart from a dodgy activation lead and button still gives us good quality images. I'm too near the end of my career to contemplate a major investment but I would like to be dragged screaming and shouting into the 21st century so I wondered if it is possible to get a digital machine on lease hire so it can go back when I retire if the purchaser of my practice doesn't want to keep it. Maybe you'll find this out during your inquiries Michael.