Sanford Health Selects Aero DR for High Image Quality, Lower Dose Exposure

Wayne, NJ, August 9, 2011 – Konica Minolta Medical Imaging today announced the implementation of the wireless Aero DR system at Sanford Health, the largest, rural, not-for-profit healthcare system in the United States.  Sanford installed two Aero DRs in the Emergency Department (Trauma 5) and will be ordering three additional units—one portable unit for the main Radiology Department, one stationary and one portable for Sanford Heart Hospital, which is set to open in spring 2012.

Several factors influenced Sanford Health’s decision to select the Aero DR, including an increase in image quality, the ability to decrease patient radiation dose exposure, ease of use and workflow enhancements due to system speed. According to Greg Zerfas, RT(R), Radiology Supervisor at Sanford Health, they have lowered dose 40% to 50% with Konica Minolta’s Xpress CR compared to their prior CR systems and, after installing the Aero DR, he has been able to reduce dose another 40% without impacting image quality.

“With the emphasis on lowering dose exposure, this system is an ‘ace in the hole’ that enables us to use the lowest dose possible, following the ALARA principle and Image Gently pledge,” he explains. “As a technologist, I can see the image quality with the lower dose is every bit as good as our images before, and in many instances even better.”

Zerfas also notes the installed system is even faster than the prototypes they previewed at Konica Minolta’s corporate headquarters in 2010. “Within two to three seconds, the initial image previews on the technologists’ workstations, so they know almost instantly that they have captured the image correctly,” he says.

The Aero DR flat panel detector incorporates Konica Minolta’s Cesium Iodide (CsI) scintillator that boasts ultra-high detector quantum efficiency (DQE) for high-quality images even with minimum X-ray dose exposure. By combining the company’s image processing technology from its top-rated REGIUS CR systems, the Aero DR assures end users consistent and reliable high-quality imaging. The untethered, lightweight wireless system is lighter than 6.6 lbs. and incorporates a unique battery design for extended life and short charge cycles, making it an ideal, portable solution for patients who cannot be transported to the DR room.

Plus, the Aero DR was designed so it can use the same workstation as Konica Minolta’s CR systems, enabling the technologists to utilize both CR and DR on the same patient depending on the type of study and view required.

“This product is amazing, our techs have embraced it and the customer service is exceptional,” adds Zerfas. “The Konica Minolta team is working to fit our workflow requirements—they make sure we are 100% satisfied and that no stone is left unturned.”

Konica Minolta Medical Imaging

Konica Minolta Medical Imaging is a leading manufacturer/distributorof digital and traditional imaging products for diagnostic use by hospitals, imagingcenters, clinics and private practice physicians. Leading products include theREGIUS family of Digital Radiography systems, the DRYPRO family of laserimagers, medical,laser and specialty films and film processing equipment. For more informationregarding Konica Minolta products and services, please visitmedical.konicaminolta.us.

About Sanford Health

Sanford Health is an integrated health system headquartered in Fargo, ND and Sioux Falls, SD and consists of two long-standing organizations that merged in 2009. Sanford is now the largest, rural, not-for-profit healthcare system in the nation with a presence in 111 communities in eight states. In addition, Sanford Health is in the process of developing international clinics in Belize and Ireland.

Sanford Health includes 32 hospitals, 111 clinic locations and more than 900 physicians in 70 specialty areas of medicine. With more than 20,000 employees, Sanford Health is the largest employer in North and South Dakota. The system is experiencing dynamic growth and development in conjunction with Denny Sanford’s $400 million gift in 2007, the largest gift ever to a healthcare organization in America. This gift is making possible the implementation of the several initiatives including global children’s clinics, multiple research centers and finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. For more information, visit www.sanfordhealth.org.

   

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