EQUIPMENT GUIDE

The Giving Tree DR System is a comprehensive imaging solution developed through partnerships with several companies and organizations, providing high-quality, easy-to-use, and easy-to-maintain imaging for our global mission hospitals. The system includes an X-Ray Generator Head (which emits the x-ray beams), a 14x17 Digital Wireless DR X-Ray Panel, Voyance Digital Acquisition Software, and a Mobile Air Transport Stand.

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If you already have an existing x-ray generator, you only need the X-ray Panel and software. For those with a built x-ray room facing issues with the CR system or battery, you can remove the x-ray head from your current setup and locally fabricate a mount to replace it with our battery system, significantly upgrading your existing x-ray room. The generator is mobile, battery-powered, and can capture up to 100 images off the grid, making it resilient against blackouts and unreliable power in rural areas.

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This system is designed to be a fully digital x-ray solution that is simple to deploy and use, with options for remote service. It is robust, powerful, and can be transported entirely by plane, eliminating the need for shipping containers or air freight, ensuring quicker deployment to mission hospitals.

 

After testing and reviewing most available x-ray products, our second recommendation is the Naomi X-ray System. For years, this system was our primary mission x-ray until our main digital system became available. The Naomi Digital System offers several advantages: it features a solid CCD (charge-coupled device) panel, making it durable and easily repairable, and it comes with simple, user-friendly x-ray software. The images are decent, and it is more affordable than our primary digital system.

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However, the Naomi system has some downsides. It requires cables, making it a “wired” or “tethered” system, which limits its applications. It is also larger, bulkier, and somewhat cumbersome. Despite these drawbacks, its durability and reliability make it ideal for stationary rooms where minimal movement is needed. It can be mounted on a wall for standing pictures or placed on a patient table for static imaging.

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Although it uses older technology, the Naomi X-ray System is a great option for very low-resource situations and static imaging needs.

Min-X-Ray:

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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.