EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Our X-ray system is a complete imaging solution which has been made possible by a collaborative of several manufacturers supporting medical missions world-wide.

 

The entire system includes: 1) X-Ray Generator Head (which shoots the x-ray beams) 2) Digital Wireless DR X-Ray Panel 14x17 3) Voyance Digital Software 4) Mobile Air-Transport Stand (Optional). Depending on the equipment already available at a mission hospital / clinic location, individual pieces can be used.

 

It is fully wireless, off-grid capable, battery powered, mobile, easy to use/service, and significantly lower in cost that other systems. The primary reason for having a battery powered x-ray generator is longevity as these x-ray generators only see clean battery power and never experience the inconsistent grid voltage in many developing countries-the primary cause of x-ray failure in years past. Also, on battery power, the x-ray generator can shoot about 120 x-rays without having to be recharged. This modern system is a major step providing high quality and reliable imaging anywhere in the world. The entire system can be carried as airline luggage.

 

After testing and reviewing most of x-ray products available, our second recommendation would be the Naomi X-ray System. Until our main digital system became available, for years we held the Naomi Digital System as our primary mission X-ray.

 

It has several advantages in that it is a solid CCD (charge coupled device) panel which makes it very durable and repairable, and comes with a very simple but easy to use x-ray software. The images are decent, and the equipment reasonably priced.

 

However, the downsides to this digital detector are the required cables which make this system “wired” or “tethered” system, which limit its applications. It is also larger, and bulkier, and a little cumbersome. However, due to its durability and reliability, we now use this system for stationary rooms where little movement is required and it can be mounted to a wall for standing pictures, or placed in a patient table as a static imaging field.  Although an older technology, for very low resource situations and static imaging situations, the Naomi can be a great option.

Min-X-Ray Generator:

MinXray systems, paired with CXDI or Varian detectors, were previously sourced at discounted rates from partner warehouses and liquidations. Although occasionally affordable, finding units in good condition at charitable prices is challenging. These systems have been reliable and in service for over a decade. We still use them if acquired through donations or inexpensively, but it’s important to note that many generators lack LED bulbs, which can cause issues in the field, and they rely on grid power. Originally made for military use, they are excellent and well-made, but they have largely been replaced by our new battery generator system.

 

AMX4 / AMX4+:

These large x-ray generators are among the most prevalent units donated and sent to rural countries worldwide. Despite their age, these rugged machines are very effective. However, they are very heavy and typically transported by sea freight container donations. We no longer send these units overseas due to shipping and logistics costs and long-term reliability concerns. If they are already on site, they work well as x-ray generators when paired with our wireless panel system. The most challenging part of maintenance is the lead-acid batteries, which are prone to failure and expensive to replace. It is crucial to keep these batteries plugged in at all times before shipping in a container and when not in use to prevent them from dying.

 

GE Optima:

The GE Optima is one of the most popular modern x-ray systems used in America. However, due to its size, maintenance requirements, and cost, it is not a recommended choice for mission work. It may be suitable for hospitals with large budgets aiming to modernize, but it is not ideal for most mission scenarios.