CARESTREAM Lux 35 Detector Improves Workflow and Patient Care
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Read the Technical Brief on Carestream’s lightweight, glass-free detector.
The CARESTREAM Lux 35 Detector is a glass-free detector for medical imaging. Its lighter weight and ergonomic features provide a better experience for radiographers and patients.
In addition to its new sleek design, the Lux 35 Detector offers a Cesium Iodide Scintillator (CsI) for better image quality and lower dose. Read the following summary of our Technical Brief on the Lux 35 to learn about its specific features and benefits.
Lighter-weight panel alleviates stress on radiographers
The Lux 35 Detector is a lightweight panel for the medical market, weighing in at 4.7 lb. (2.1 kg) without the battery and 5.2 lb. (2.4 kg) with its new, lighter battery. It is almost two pounds lighter than a traditional detector. The lighter detector provides a better overall experience for the radiographer and helps alleviate strain and stress from moving the detector, especially during mobile exams.
Several factors in the design of the Lux 35 contribute to its lighter weight. First among these is the foam-core plate that provides structural support for external loads and absorbs impacts to the detector. Adding to the stiffness is a bridge that distributes load on the detector around the electronics. Also contributing to the weight reduction are new carbon-fiber shells that form the exterior of the detector, lighter-weight core materials, and a new battery design.
During trade trials, radiographers specifically mentioned the Lux 35’s light weight compared to other detectors, and how much easier it was to handle and position.
New ergonomic design provides better experience for radiographer and patient
The Lux 35’s design includes several new ergonomic features. Recessed finger grips on three sides of the back make the detector even easier for the radiographer to hold and position. These also help to minimize slips and accidental drops, which is particularly beneficial for out-of-bucky exams. Lighter weight also makes it easier to grip and hold this detector for longer periods and at various angles, for less stress and strain on the radiographer. This has proven especially helpful for mobile exams when the radiographer is moving from patient to patient.
Included in the design are rounded corners and beveled edges that provide a more comfortable exam for each patient. These features not only allow radiographers to position the detector more easily under patients, but also allow for a smoother removal of the detector, especially for bedridden patients. On the detector’s perimeter are protective plastic bumpers with beveled edges and a heat-sink cap. These design elements make the detector more comfortable for the patient and easier to hold for the radiographer.
Two additional new features on the Lux 35 contribute to ease of use for radiographers. They are LEDs on the edges of the detector and the Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the back side. Both features assist with detector status. The LEDs provide immediate feedback on the operating status of the Lux 35 according to color and blink pattern. The GUI shows the battery power level, the wireless radio strength, and the detector number. In addition, the GUI allows service personnel or advanced key operators (under direction from Carestream) to identify a deeper level of diagnostic status.
Less downtime and faster workflow
The Lux 35 was designed with two key test measures in mind. First of these is the IP57 ingress rating. The 5 rating means the detector is protected against access to hazardous dust. The 7 rating means the detector is protected against the effects of temporary submersion in water (30 minutes at 1 meter depth). This offers a high level of protection against various fluids that come in contact with a DR detector in medical settings such as the Emergency Room.
The second measure is the Mil-Std-810G drop-test rating. While all electronic devices have limits on destructive usage, the Lux 35 has been successfully tested to this US Military drop-test standard. It requires successful operation after multiple drops from a height of 36 in. (91.4 cm).
The new detector also alleviates concerns about glass breakage inside its housing. Also, the carbon fiber is more scratch-resistant; and reinforced carbon corners provide extra protection in case of a detector drop.
Faster workflow is enhanced with the Lux 35’s lighter weight and ergonomic design, providing for smoother handling to speed imaging and minimizing radiographer strain, stress and fatigue.
These are just a few of the technical specifications of the Lux 35 Detector that help contribute to a more efficient workflow, a better patient experience, and less strain on radiographers. Read the embedded Technical Paper to learn about additional new features, and view a specification comparison to other Carestream detectors, and view comparison images of our Lux 35 Detector from the US FDA 510k submission.
Andrew La Pietra is a Technical Project Manager at Carestream Health.
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References
- US Mil-Std-810G: http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810G_12306/
- Lux 35 510k: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K203159
- DRX Plus brochure: https://www.carestream.com/en/us/medical/dr-systems/detectors/drx-plus-detector
