Agfa Fast Forward Digital Radiography Upgrade Program

Fast Forward is Agfa's digital radiography upgrade program. With stage-by-stage guidance it moves the radiology department from CR using traditional powder imaging plates to CR using crystalline Cesium needle imaging plates, or directly to cassette-less DR. The program improves image quality, productivity and workflow while maximizing existing investments.

Highlights

• Four stages: upgrade to needle CR or DR, add next generation MUSICA, update the acquisition station and add Agfa support services
• Dose reductions of 50% and more with the move to DR
• Retrofit DR, mobile DR or a complete DR room (U-arm, floor and ceiling-mounted) options
• Wireless or tethered detectors with CsI or GOS technology
• Cassette-sized 35 x 43 cm detector and a smaller detector for orthopaedic, pediatric and neonatal applications
• Next generation MUSICA with no need for manual window leveling
• Upgrade of NX stations from Windows XP to Windows 7
• Dose management tools, Exposure Index and IMPAX REM
• Damage Assistance Program (DAsP) for portable detectors

The benefits of DR

• Improved workflow and reduced examination time
• Immediate verification of patient positioning and image quality
• Improved accuracy of patient identification
• Potential for dose reduction with CsI detectors

Advance to DR quality and workflow

A Retrofit DR panel is an investment in the future: when an X-ray room is replaced, the detector can continue to be used in the new room or through DR panel sharing. It also supports cross-table work, mobile units, emergency rooms, operating rooms and intensive care areas. The cassette-sized detectors are easy to use with any standard bucky tray.

Next generation MUSICA

Next generation MUSICA enhances visualization of traditional radiographic problem areas: a high level of detail in the mediastinum, sharp trabecular and cortical bone, balanced presentation of soft tissue and overlapping bone, fine abdominal detail and true representation of orthopaedic implants. The MUSICA workstation offers the same workflow for CR and DR and integrates with hospital information systems.

Operating system and dose management

Microsoft support for Windows XP on older NX stations ended in April 2014, and Fast Forward provides the transition to Windows 7. Agfa has implemented the Exposure Index standard across its modalities, and IMPAX REM monitors and analyzes dose data across multiple modalities, departments and sites.

Service and support

Agfa's global service team supports every stage of the project. The DAsP program protects the portable DR detector against accidental damage for a fixed annual fee and a minimal payment per incident.