cr vs dr vet x-ray, digital radiography_ cr and dr differences,
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3/23/14 CR vs DR Vet X-ray, Digital Radiography: CR and DR differences,
www.uk-ireland.bcftechnology.com/blog/2013/april/digital-radiography-the-difference-between-cr-and-dr-veterinary-x-ray-systems 1/5
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DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CR AND DRVETERINARY X-RAY SYSTEMS
16th April 2013
An explanation of the different types of Digital Radiography available today
By Craig Hoines – BCF Technology, Account Manager for the South of England
What does digital X-ray mean for vets?
When hearing about digital radiography for vets you may have heard various terms such as CR,
DR, DDR and CCD. Finding it a little confusing? We have attempted to explain the differences
between all these different terms in this blog and help you understand each of them.
Definitions of Digital Radiography
Digital X-ray is the electronic capture of an X-ray exposure. The exposure is captured in a
device that converts the X-rays to a digital signal, which is then represented on a viewing
monitor for diagnosis. An image from an X-ray system that appears on a viewing monitor may
have come from one of three technologies that we will introduce (CR, CCD and DR/ DDR). So
what’s the difference between these technologies and which one is right for you?
Computed Radiography (CR)
This modality is widespread in the UK due to its lower entry level price. The technology
requires your original X-ray head/ generator to be fired at a CR cassette, as is done with film
cassettes. Instead CR cassettes contain a reusable phosphorus screen. Cassettes are available
in a number of different sizes.
The CR cassette is placed into a processor which in turn removes the screen from the cassette.
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3/23/14 CR vs DR Vet X-ray, Digital Radiography: CR and DR differences,
www.uk-ireland.bcftechnology.com/blog/2013/april/digital-radiography-the-difference-between-cr-and-dr-veterinary-x-ray-systems 2/5
The CR reader then energizes the screen with a laser. This causes light emissions corresponding
to the energy imparted by the X-ray exposure. The time between taking the exposure and then
see the image on the computer screen with CR is about a minute. The CR reader then applies
ultraviolet light to the phosphorus screen to erase the latent image left of the phosphorus
screen. The fastest systems produce 60 plates per hour and others go down to 20 plates per
hour.
The Vita CR veterinary X-ray system
Close Couple Device (CCD)
CCD technology is not so widespread, the cost is more than with CR, but the image quality is
not as good. The technology also requires your original X-ray head/ generator to be fired, but
this time at a receptor under the table which contains a CCD device which has a screen which
emits light when hit by X-rays, this is then recorded by a receptor. Best explained as a digital
camera at the base of an X-ray table. It takes only a few seconds from exposure to seeing an
image. However, due to the nature of the CCD receptor, the radiation exposure is greater than
that of the CR or DDR systems to achieve a reasonable image. The image quality is not normally
as good as either film, CR or DR.
Direct Digital Radiography (DDR sometimes just called DR)
This technology is the most widely used technology in the US, and is on the increase within the
UK. DDR is widespread in equine use in the UK and it had revolutionised ambulatory X-ray
examinations.
Advantages of Direct Digital Radiography for equine vets
No longer do equine vets have to return to their practice to process X-rays only to find they
need to re-do some. Now with portable DDR they can have an image in seconds right there in
the stable and be able to talk through the image with the owner. Wireless plates are now the
next stage in this revolution, removing the issue of horses standing on cables and making the
whole process easier and safer.
3/23/14 CR vs DR Vet X-ray, Digital Radiography: CR and DR differences,
www.uk-ireland.bcftechnology.com/blog/2013/april/digital-radiography-the-difference-between-cr-and-dr-veterinary-x-ray-systems 3/5
Cuattro Wireless equine DDR system
Direct Digital Radiography for small animal practices
DR is acknowledged as the way forward for small animal practices. Pricing has been seen as a
factor for moderate take up in small animal practices but the image quality is recognised as the
best quality available. Prices of DDR have gone down over recent years from £70,000 to around
£35,000. This makes DDR much more viable for a busy small animal practice.
Direct Digital Radiography further explained
DDR uses your original X-ray head/ generator to expose a panel that is situated under the X-ray
table. The panel is made up of a scintillated material such as amorphous silicon, caesium or
selenium which converts the X-rays to light which is subsequently turned into a digital signal
and converted to an image. This process takes seconds even though the panel can be as large
as your largest cassette i.e. 35 x 43cm. The image resolution and quality is unsurpassed due to
the panel size and sensitivity. It is worth noting that the different scintillated materials offer
different image qualities and the laws of economics prevails here- it’s impossible to pay a little
and get a lot?
Example of a small animal DDR system
The various ways of obtaining an X-ray image
Traditional wet processing
3/23/14 CR vs DR Vet X-ray, Digital Radiography: CR and DR differences,
www.uk-ireland.bcftechnology.com/blog/2013/april/digital-radiography-the-difference-between-cr-and-dr-veterinary-x-ray-systems 4/5
Computed Radiography (CR)
Direct Digital Radiography (DDR or DR)
The Benefits of Digital Radiography (either CR or DR)
No wet processing required: better consistency of x-rays
No darkroom required: saves space
No consumables: no more film or chemistry – reduces costs
No chemical disposal: reduces costs and protects environment
No film or chemistry store: saves space
No rooms full of filing cabinets of X-ray images
Reduction of artefacts: improves image quality
Higher quality images: more accurate diagnosis (it should be noted that digital radiography will not
improve image quality where bad radiographic technique is used)
Manipulation of image to highlight different detail (bone or soft tissue) or compensate for
exposure: reduces the number of re-takes & exposures - saves time
Share images via email or CD: quicker referral
Multiple plates of varying sizes, similar to existing cassette/screen: maintains existing flexibility
Image capture time substantially reduced from wet processing: saves time
Differences between CR and DR Technology
Capital Costs
CR
From £15,000
DR
From £35,000
3/23/14 CR vs DR Vet X-ray, Digital Radiography: CR and DR differences,
www.uk-ireland.bcftechnology.com/blog/2013/april/digital-radiography-the-difference-between-cr-and-dr-veterinary-x-ray-systems 5/5
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Size Portable, but generallypractice based
Portable for field use orstatic for practice use
Processing Time From 55 seconds From 3 seconds
Image available on site Only if reader locatedon site
Yes
Plate Phosphor screen incassette
Amorphous siliconconnected to computer
Archiving of Images To PC archive,external hard-drive orDVD
To PC archive, externalhard-drive or DVD
Related Links:
10 reasons to move from chemical to digital radiography
Radiography in veterinary practice – a review and update
Why use X-ray exposure charts
Don’t risk losing your veterinary X-rays – BACKUP!
See more about BCF Account Manager Craig Hoines
X-ray products supplied by BCF
For more information and advice visit www.bcftechnology.com or call +44 (0)1506 460 023.
Your local BCF Account Manager will also be happy to help you.
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