Carestream Health announced availability of an affordable new tabletop CR, the CARESTREAM DIRECTVIEW Vita CR System that provides rapid image access to help increase both the speed and accuracy of patient diagnosis. This compact imaging system is ideal for use in independent imaging centres, clinics, multi-physician offices, as well as chiropractic and veterinary facilities. It is available in countries where the company's current tabletop CR systems are sold. It will be marketed directly to customers and through

Beginning in November, the Vita CR system can be bundled with optional Image Suite software for a complete mini-PACS solution that includes digital image capture, viewing, printing, storage and management. Image Suite allows users to interface with other digital imaging modalities. This software can be hosted on a broad range of PC-based workstations with either standard or high-resolution monitors for reading. Image Suite is already available on a variety of the company's CR solutions.

"Many facilities that install CR for the first time do not have any type of image management capabilities, so bundling our new Image Suite software with a compact, affordable CR system equips users with a fully integrated, user-friendly solution. It helps clinics, practices and other healthcare providers fully realise the benefits of a digital imaging workflow, and establishes our ability to meet each user's current and future image capture and management needs," said Diana L. Nole, President, Digital Medical Solutions, Carestream Health.

The lightweight Vita CR system offers a durable, sealed design that can withstand rough handling and extreme conditions. It supports eight cassette sizes including 14 x 33 inches (35 x 84 cm) for long-length exams. It offers a short-term archive, DICOM transmission to PACS and DICOM and Windows printing to a variety of output devices at no additional cost. With throughput of 44 plates per hour (14 x 17 inch/35 x 43 cm), the system also offers additional options, such as the ability to query modality worklists and create patient CDs. Other Vita CR system benefits include:

• Portability: At only 79 pounds, it is smaller and lighter than other CR solutions. An optional Z-cart allows the system to be easily shared between rooms and images can be viewed close to the patient's point of care.
• Simple set-up: Installation can be completed in two hours or less. And thanks to an intuitive interface and multiple pre-configured image presentation "looks", this compact system requires significantly less training time than other CR systems.
• Productivity-boosting features: A "smart erase" feature allows fast, complete erasure of latent images across all exposure levels. This automatic feature determines exposure levels and adjusts erase cycle times, which can improve operator productivity—especially for lower dose exams.
• Optional long-length imaging: Vita CR readers can capture and process high-quality digital images of spinal or other long-length exams with a 14 x 33 inch cassette that weighs only 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg). Accessories include a portable caddy with embedded grid, a wall stand with grid and beam-attenuation filters.
• Optional Total Quality Tool testing: A kit with a phantom and special software equips users to perform image tests and quality control measurements to ensure that equipment is functioning within normal operating specifications. Data can be exported to Microsoft Excel for review, analysis and recordkeeping.

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• Carestream Health's Profile

About Carestream Health
Carestream Health is a worldwide provider of dental and medical imaging systems and healthcare IT solutions; molecular imaging systems for the life science research and drug discovery/development market segments; and x-ray film and digital x-ray products for the non-destructive testing market. For more information about the company’s broad portfolio of products, solutions and services, please contact your Carestream Health representative or visit www.carestreamhealth.com.

CARESTREAM and DIRECTVIEW are trademarks of Carestream Health. 2010