The newly inaugurated digital X-ray machine. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, Aug. 24: One of the oldest X-ray diagnostic centre in the state, Ranchi X-Ray Clinic on Station Road functioning since 1944 today turned digital.

Though digital radiology services are available at two other clinics in the city, Ranchi X-Ray became the first to hand out digital images in three different sizes, much to the comfort of the patients.

“Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where electronic sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. The constitution of the machine remains the same but the plates get replaced by cassettes. The patient is exposed to lesser intensity radiations in the digital machines, though the images are sharper and aid better diagnosis,” Sujit Pal of Ranchi X-Ray told The Telegraph.

Besides, the digital version of the machine is quicker than the earlier prototypes making it possible to deliver the reports within a few minutes. Earlier, patients were required to come to the clinic twice - once of imaging later in the day to collect the reports and X-ray plates, Pal added.

Further, the machine provides for immediate corrections in the event of human or technical errors. This facility was not available with the old machines. Under the conventional system, very often imaging had to be repeated in case of errors. The digital machine could also retrieve old records if the patient loses his reports.

“Each X-ray would cost Rs.200 per plate instead of the old rate of Rs.120 at our clinic. However, in those cases which require two or more images, we would charge at the old rates,” Pal said.

Several other experts in radio-diagnostics found the digital version of the machine useful. Its speed could help the trauma cases needing immediate intervention, they said.

The machine could also help the researchers in managing huge data and reducing storage space, the doctors felt.

“The provisions of the existing norms are such that we have to store the records for five years of every patient undergoing surgery at our centre. This requires inordinately large space and creates data management problems. The smaller health care units are the worst victims of the norms, rued a surgeon while talking about the advantages of the new machine.