Agfa’s HealthCare Business Group’s groundbreaking new Computed Radiography (CR) solution – DX-S – has created a new threshold in CR performance through the integration of two breakthrough technologies unique to Agfa – DirectriX and Scanhead. DX-S fills the gap in the current range of Digital Radiography Solutions by providing a level of image quality, speed and flexibility that exceeds that which is currently available in the CR marketplace.
  • Worldwide premiere at JFR (Journées Françaises de Radiologie) of breakthrough technology which enables improved image quality and workflow, and close-to-patient care.

The launch of DX-S is further evidence of Agfa’s commitment to driving technological development in the healthcare field, and is the first of a number of solutions set for launch before the end of the year. DX-S is being launched globally at JFR (Journées Françaises de Radiologie) this week. 

Designed to bring a full range of imaging exams directly to the point of care in General Radiography, Paediatric and Emergency environments DX-S requires limited adaptation of established workflow procedures. This enables users to derive maximum benefit from the solution, using common workflows.

With projection radiography still representing at least 50 percent of General Radiology exams, hospitals are seeking ways to make this environment more efficient and effective to meet the growing demand for high quality, affordable healthcare. DX-S provides image quality and flexibility in line with these expectations. 

At the heart of DX-S are two new breakthrough technologies: DirectriX needle-based detector technology and Scanhead line-to-line CR simulation and light collection technology. The unique combination of these two technologies into one fully integrated, compact CR system enables a previously unseen level of CR 

performance by offering: 

  • Increased image quality and/or  potential for X-ray patient dose reduction through DirectriX’s needle- based detector technology. 
  • High speed imaging  through Scanhead’s line-to-line CR stimulation and light collection technology, which increases the speed of throughput, reduces waiting times for cassettes, and provides rapid access to digital images. 
  • Flexibility  through DX-S’s compact mobile design. Adapted specifically for decentralized and in-room use in General Radiography, Paediatric and Emergency environments, DX-S places imaging capabilities directly at the point-of-care.
  • Portability  of the detector, which allows the DX-S to service the entire range of General Radiography applications, ensuring better patient comfort and safety and optimizing workflow.
  • Patient proximity.  By locating DX-S in examination rooms radiology personnel are able to remain with patients during image capture and processing, increasing patient satisfaction and comfort and ensuring immediate quality control that reduces examination time.        

Dr Kint, Radiologist at the Maasland Hospital in Sittard, the Netherlands, whose hospital was an early pilot site, said: “Once we started using it, we immediately noticed a clear difference in our way of working. The new system is much more compact, and can be installed easily in an examination room. The cassettes are read much more quickly, and the image appears on the monitor much faster. This means minutes are saved with every examination. The examination of the patient, reading of the cassettes, looking at the image and storing it are all done in the same room, without taking your eyes off the patient. This is much more pleasant for the patient and represents considerable timesavings for our staff. They no longer lose time walking to other rooms, and can stay right in the examination room.”

Commenting on the launch of DX-S, Iskandar Accaoui, Global Business Manager Digital Radiography, said: “Despite previous predictions, the CR market is still growing alongside DR, and developing strongly. There is, therefore, an ongoing need for innovative solutions that bridge the gap between traditional CR – a cost-effective way to digitalize a department – and the more expensive DR solutions, which offer high image quality but lack the flexibility required by departments such as General Radiology, Paediatrics and ER. In combining DirectriX and Scanhead technologies in DX-S, we have created a new CR performance threshold by providing unprecedented CR image quality and speed, while at the same time offering the full exam range these departments need.

“For us at Agfa, it is not about asking our customers to make a choice between CR and DR. It is about ensuring they can enjoy the benefits of both. The launch of DX-S is an example of how we see the market evolving – with CR becoming an even stronger and more valuable resource in the healthcare environment than it is today.”


Johan Jacobs
Corporate Press Relations Manager
Tel nr.: +32 (0) 3 444 8015
Fax nr.: +32 (0) 3 444 4485
johan.jacobs@agfa.com