Upgrading an X-ray room from CR or film to digital radiography (DR)
Most existing X-ray rooms do not need to be replaced to go digital. A DR upgrade adds a flat-panel detector, an acquisition workstation and software to the room you already have, so images appear seconds after exposure instead of after cassette processing.
What a DR upgrade includes
- Flat-panel detector: a wireless or fixed Canon CXDI detector sized for your exams, typically 14 x 17 in or 17 x 17 in. How to choose a detector.
- Generator interface: connects the detector to your X-ray generator so exposures and image capture are synchronized.
- Acquisition workstation and software: a computer and monitor running Canon CXDI Control Software NE, with options such as Intelligent NR noise reduction and scatter correction.
- Calibration and QC: detector calibration, AEC (automatic exposure control) calibration, quality control testing and documentation.
- Network and PACS setup: connection to your PACS, RIS or worklist so studies flow to your existing systems.
- Training: applications training for your technologists at go-live.
Is my X-ray room a good candidate?
Most general radiography rooms, R/F rooms and many mobile X-ray units can be upgraded, including equipment from GE, Siemens, Philips, Shimadzu, Quantum, DEL and other manufacturers. Things we check during the site survey:
- The condition and age of the X-ray generator and tube
- The table and wall stand bucky trays, and whether the detector fits them
- Available generator interface options for your equipment
- Network access, PACS and IT requirements
- Whether you need one wireless detector shared between table and wall, or dedicated detectors
The upgrade process
- Site survey: complete our survey form and send photos of the room, generator and current imaging system.
- Consultation: we confirm feasibility and any manufacturer-specific requirements.
- Quote and approval: you receive a detailed project quote.
- Deinstallation: safe removal of CR readers or legacy components if needed.
- Installation: detector, interface, workstation, calibration, network setup and QC documentation.
- Sign-off and training: final testing, applications training and completion reports.
See our services and DR upgrade process for more detail.
What affects the cost of a DR upgrade
- Number and size of detectors, and wireless versus fixed
- Detector model and generation (for example CXDI-Elite versus CXDI-Pro)
- Software options such as Intelligent NR and scatter correction
- Generator interface requirements for your specific equipment
- Deinstallation, site work, network and PACS integration
- Pre-owned versus new equipment, and warranty or coverage options
Because every room is different, we quote each upgrade after the site survey. Request a site survey or quote.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a DR upgrade take?
Installation for a single room is typically completed in a short on-site visit once equipment is on hand, followed by calibration, QC and training. We confirm the schedule in your quote after the site survey.
Can I keep my existing X-ray generator and table?
In most cases, yes. A DR upgrade uses your existing generator, tube, table and wall stand when they are in good working condition.
Can one wireless detector be used on both the table and the wall stand?
Yes. A wireless detector can move between the table bucky, the wall stand and tabletop exams. Busy rooms often add a second detector to avoid moving it between positions.
Talk to a Canon-trained engineer
Get answers for your room, equipment and budget.