Digital radiography (DR) continues to advance at a rapid pace with today’s technological innovations and evolving healthcare needs. Here is a Top 10 look at just some of the emerging trends in digital radiography. You can view the Digital Radiography Systems Comparison Chart here.
1. Advancements in detector technology.
There continues to be an ongoing focus on improving detector technology, including both direct and indirect conversion detectors. This involves enhancements in resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range to provide higher quality images with lower radiation doses. Digital radiography systems continue to evolve with advancements in detector technology, image processing algorithms and software solutions. Manufacturers are focusing on developing compact, high-resolution detectors, improving image quality and enhancing workflow efficiency.
2. Wireless and portable systems.
There is a growing demand for wireless and portable DR systems, particularly in point-of-care settings, mobile imaging units and emergency departments. These systems offer flexibility, convenience, and faster image acquisition times, improving workflow efficiency.
United Imaging offers the ultra-maneuverable uDR380i pro, a mobile X-ray with a high voltage generator and a uVision remote console that improves point-of-care imaging workflow.
KA Imaging recently unveiled its Reveal Mobi Pro dual-energy mobile X-ray system that integrates KA Imaging’s Reveal 35C detector with SpectralDR technology into a complete mobile X-ray solution. Its ability to simultaneously acquire conventional and dual-energy images with a single exposure at the bedside improves hospital and patient outcomes, and protects revenue by reducing outflows. The Reveal 35C detector mimics the workflow, dose and techniques of state-of-the-art mobile DR X-ray.
3. Integration with artificial intelligence (AI).
It is no surprise that AI is being integrated into DR systems to assist radiologists in various tasks such as image reconstruction, noise reduction, artifact correction and automated analysis. AI algorithms can help improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.
Smart Room Assist on Carestream’s DRX-Compass and DRX-Evolution Plus uses AI-based technology and automation to streamline workflow, enabling a more consistent image capture. It also improves patient alignment to help ensure correct positioning.
4. Dose optimization and radiation safety.
There's a continued emphasis on dose optimization and radiation safety in DR. Manufacturers are developing dose reduction techniques, dose monitoring tools and advanced image processing algorithms to minimize patient exposure to radiation while maintaining image quality. Advanced image processing techniques and dose modulation algorithms help minimize radiation exposure to patients without compromising diagnostic accuracy, while addressing concerns regarding radiation safety.
Carestream Health recently launched the new and enhanced DRX-Excel Plus X-ray System that boosts the performance of the powerful, two-in-one solution to enable more productivity and efficiency, higher image quality, and an improved experience for users and patients. In addition to improving workflow, the system has enhanced features to help limit radiation dose — a camera integrated into the collimators allows the radiographer to position the patient directly from the console without using fluoroscopy. In addition, the Automatic Filter Control feature helps ensure that the radiographer selects the proper dose.
5. Cloud-based imaging solutions.
Cloud-based imaging solutions are becoming more popular, and allow for secure storage, sharing and remote access to DR images. Cloud integration facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals, enables teleradiology services and supports seamless data exchange between healthcare facilities.
6. Enhanced workflow integration.
More and more, DR systems are being integrated into the broader healthcare IT ecosystem, including electronic medical records (EMR) and PACS. Seamless integration improves workflow efficiency, reduces manual data entry errors and enhances communication among healthcare providers.
7. Focus on patient-centric care.
There has been a growing emphasis on patient-centered approaches in DR, including initiatives to enhance patient comfort during imaging procedures, minimize wait times and improve communication of imaging results to patients in a clear and understandable manner.
Fujifilm Healthcare America’s Essentia FS is a complete and compact digital radiography floor mounted system featuring a 10-inch graphic display at the tube for convenient positioning information at the patient’s side. The Essentia SA is an ultra-compact straight arm system, designed for a wide range of standing, sitting and recumbent radiographic exams. Both systems feature Fujifilm’s dose performance technologies to capture superior images at a low dose for the patient providing exceptional price to performance ratio.
8. Remote monitoring and telediagnosis.
With the expansion of telemedicine and remote healthcare services, DR systems are commonly being used for remote monitoring, consultation and even telediagnosis. Remote access to DR images enables radiologists to provide timely interpretations and recommendations, particularly in underserved or remote areas.
9. Market growth.
The global digital radiography market has been experiencing steady growth, fueled by factors such as the transition from analog to digital imaging systems, rising prevalence of chronic diseases necessitating diagnostic imaging, and advancements in healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies. With this also comes the need for more affordable systems.
Carestream Health recently launched its affordable Horizon X-ray System that offers high-quality imaging to help improve clinical outcomes and user-friendly features to help improve productivity. The budget-friendly system is designed especially for small-to-midsize imaging centers, orthopedic facilities, urgent care centers and hospitals.
10. Emerging applications and new markets.
Digital radiography technology is finding new applications beyond traditional medical imaging, including industrial non-destructive testing, security screening and other modalities. As technology continues to advance, new opportunities for innovation and diversification are expected to emerge within the digital radiography industry.
Konica Minolta Healthcare continues to revolutionize X-ray with Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR), available on four Konica Minolta systems to meet the versatile needs of providers, including the KDR Advanced U-Arm, KDRFlex Overhead, mKDR Xpress Mobile and Chiro Straight Arm systems.
To help expand its portfolio in Latin America markets, Konica Minolta introduced the Momentum KXR Digital Radiography System, an efficient and versatile floor mount solution that offers both table and wall-stand imaging capabilities. Powered by Ultra imaging software and Konica Minolta’s advanced AeroDR flat panel detectors, Momentum KXR provides exceptional image quality and the right combination of advanced features to simplify operation for most general radiography applications. It is designed to assist users with the transition from analog to digital.
These developing trends reflect the ongoing evolution of digital radiography, which is being driven by technological innovation, clinical advancements and the changing landscape of healthcare delivery
You can view the Digital Radiography Systems Comparison Chart here.
May 17, 2024 
