Agfa HealthCare and VirtuRad Team up to Provide Digital X-ray Systems for NCAA College Football Bowl Games

New CR 30-X solution provides injured players with faster diagnoses

• Press release
• Greenville, South Carolina
• January 08, 2007 08:30

Millions watched last week's thrilling overtime win by Boise State over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at The University of Phoenix Stadium and millions more saw Texas Tech's record-breaking come-from-behind victory in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

But behind the scenes, what many people didn't see was the CR 30-X, a new tabletop Computed Radiography (CR) solution from Agfa HealthCare that had been installed and used during both contests. The arrangement was facilitated by VirtuRad, a leading systems integrator and value added reseller of digital radiography equipment and services in the orthopaedic and sports medicine market in the U.S. The system will be used again during the Tostitos BCS National Championship game between The Ohio State University Buckeyes and Florida Gators on January 8th at The University of Phoenix Stadium.

The move places both Agfa HealthCare and VirtuRad at some of the highest profile sporting events of the season. By having the CR 30-X with Agfa's NX software at the games, players who sustain injuries can be evaluated more quickly, resulting in greater chances of faster recovery.

"With the CR 30-X from Agfa HealthCare, we are able to provide digital imaging and its associated benefits to the teams and their physicians," said Hirsch Handmaker, M.D., Chairman and CEO of VirtuRad. "The CR 30-X integrates to local and remote PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) networks, allowing medical professionals to rapidly review the players' diagnostic images and transmit them to the teams' trainers and physicians, eliminating critical procedural delays associated with retakes common with conventional film processing and avoiding the risks associated with transporting an injured player."

About the CR 30-X
The user-friendly, single plate CR 30-X combines high image quality with high throughput. Designed for diagnostic imaging facilities of all sizes, its compact design makes it suitable for smaller facilities or areas where space might be an issue. In addition to the smaller size, the high image quality, speed and networking abilities of the CR 30-X rival larger systems in its flexibility and convenience.

For facilities that have yet to replace their film-based workflows, the CR 30-X is an affordable entry into digital imaging. For larger facilities, the CR 30-X can cost-effectively add remote areas to the digital network. For both, the system also offers the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly, with the elimination of processing chemicals.

The NX workstation is included with the CR 30-X. The NX system has an intuitive interface on a simple touch screen that offers radiologists and technologists the ease of use that is integral to efficient and effective point-of-care. Less adjustment time is required for faster image delivery to the radiologist and treating physician.

"We are proud that the CR 30-X has been selected to provide imaging services at these outstanding athletic competitions. While the NCAA goes to great lengths to make sure its players are protected on the field, it is understood that injuries can often occur. With our new CR 30-X, injured athletes get the benefit of fast, high resolution images," said David Chambers, vice president, Sales and Marketing Americas, Agfa HealthCare.