Latest news with #radiography
RNZ News
05-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
New CT scanners bring mixed blessings for Palmerston North Hospital
Palmerston North Hospital currently relies on a single loaned CT scanner with limited capability. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham An announcement that Palmerston North Hospital will get two new CT scanners comes as medical unions warn the government of a dire shortage in radiographers nationwide. Radiographers are the medical-imaging technologists who, together with radiologists, read CT and MRI (whole-body) scans to diagnose and treat patients with injuries and serious diseases, like cancer. On Saturday afternoon, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the $12.7 million investment for Palmerston North hospital, saying it would "double scanning capacity and significantly improve access to diagnostic services across the region". "This is a major step forward for Palmerston North and the surrounding communities," he said. "It means faster diagnoses, shorter wait times and earlier treatment for people with serious conditions like cancer." The two new scanners would replace one ageing machine and the second would expand the hospital's capacity by about 3000 extra scans per year. "Doubling CT capacity means more timely scans and less stress for patients, with workforce planning already underway to support the expanded diagnostic service," Brown said. The hospital currently relied on a single loaned CT scanner with limited capability, which contributed to delays in emergency, inpatient, and elective care. "In some cases, patients must be transferred to other hospitals or private providers for scans," Brown said. "With greater scanning capacity, we'll ease pressure across the system - reducing ED delays, supporting planned surgeries and enabling faster diagnoses for time-critical conditions. "It will also reduce the need to outsource scans, ensuring patients are seen sooner and closer to home." The modular CT unit would begin operation in February and provide care for up to eight years, while a permanent imaging hub was developed as part of the hospital's wider redevelopment. Allied Scientific and Technical Health Practitioners union (Apex) national secretary Dr Deborah Powell said the new machinery would be well-received. Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the new $12.7m investment on Saturday. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER "The current CT scanner in Palmerston [North] is very old and breaks down frequently," she said. "Quite frankly, they're holding it together with band aids, so we certainly needed the replacement. "A second one obviously will help us put patients through more quickly, that's including guys in ED, as well as cancer treatment and other acute presentations. "That's good news for the people of that region. The one questions we would have is where's the workforce to run it?" Powell said New Zealand was desperately short of radiographers to operate the scanners. "They don't grow on trees, so I'd be delighted to see the minister's plan. I'm not aware that Te Whatu Ora has a workforce plan for the radiology services. "They acknowledge we do have a workforce crisis, but a plan to fix it has been a bit elusive to this point in time." Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton said the senior doctors' union and Apex only asked about radiology planning nationally last week. "Particularly staffing, because there are significant gaps." She said there were "significant issues around radiology staffing at Palmerston North", and the unions had called for reporting of national workforce planning and regional situations, which they were still waiting for. "While resource being put into new machinery is really important and we would welcome that, without appropriate levels of staffing, it is not going to be a simple fix." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
BreakingNews.ie
03-07-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Radiographer temporarily banned from doing X-rays on under 18s over behaviour towards teen
A radiographer who was found guilty of professional misconduct over his inappropriate behaviour in carrying out a chest X-ray on a young female patient, whom he later tried to contact via social media, has been banned from conducting any radiography services on anyone under 18 for 12 months. The prohibition on carrying out X-rays on children and adolescents apart from exceptional circumstances and then only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner is one of five conditions imposed on the registration of radiographer, Adrian Peconcillo, by CORU – the regulatory body of health and social care professionals. Advertisement It follows a fitness-to-practise inquiry by CORU earlier this year at which Peconcillo admitted he had acted in a manner that was not clinically justified or appropriate when he was carrying out a chest X-ray on a 16-year-old girl at Tallaght University Hospital on January 25th, 2023. The inquiry heard that the patient had come out of the changing area undressed from the waist up and covering her chest due to the failure of Peconcillo to provide her with a hospital gown prior to her undressing. The radiographer – an Irish citizen who comes originally from the Philippines – was also accused of looking at her in a forward-facing manner whilst her back was against the X-ray board and later inviting her to look at her X-ray while she remained undressed. Evidence was heard that Peconcillo had also sent the teenager one or more follow requests to her Instagram account on the same date that were inappropriate and without any clinical justification. Advertisement It emerged that the radiographer had tried to contact her with his own Instagram account which was in the name of 'Adrian Wanderman'. He had originally claimed in correspondence with CORU that he had sent the Instagram request to an Australian DJ with the same name as the girl. The girl's father said his daughter had been doing her mock exams at the time and her head was 'all over the place' and she was blaming herself for the incident. The inquiry was held after a formal complaint was made to CORU about Peconcillo's behaviour by the radiography services manager at TUH, Laura Gannon. Advertisement It heard that Peconcillo was suspended by TUH after the teenager's parents had made a complaint to the hospital and he was subsequently dismissed in April 2023 following an internal investigation. The CORU inquiry heard he has not worked as a radiographer since but had found employment as a phlebotomist at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin where he primarily works with geriatric patients but on a salary 50% less than he earned in TUH. The fitness-to-practise committee also found the radiographer's actions constituted breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Radiographers Registration Board. They related to his failure to maintain high standards of personal conduct and behaviour and to use social media responsibly. Advertisement The committee noted that Peconcillo had shown remorse and recognised his poor judgement in dealing with the young patient. The committee's chairperson, Geraldine Feeney, said they had considered a period of suspension to be the appropriate sanction but had decided against it in circumstances where Mr Peconcillo had not worked as a radiographer for almost two years. The committee rejected an application by his legal representatives for the inquiry to be concluded by his consenting to admonishment and censure and giving an undertaking about his future conduct. Ms Feeney said the seriousness of the proven allegations required some form of sanction. Advertisement She said the committee also recognised that the incidents had been devastating for the radiographer both professionally and personally after he lost his job and was refused access to his only child by his former partner. The committee observed that there were 'system shortcomings' within TUH that had facilitated Peconcillo's actions albeit they did not excuse such conduct. Other conditions imposed on the radiographer require him to complete courses relating to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults as well as ones on social media and professional practice and relating to professional ethics, trust, care and dignity in the workplace. All courses have to be completed within 12 months and at his own expense. CORU also required Peconcillo to notify any current or prospective employer about the findings against him and the conditions attached to his registration to practise as a radiographer. The decision to attach conditions to the radiographer's registration was confirmed by the High Court earlier this week.
Associated Press
02-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
FTG Imaging's DC Air™ Wireless Intraoral Sensor Wins Prestigious 2025 Dental Advisor Top Award and Dental Product Shopper Best Product Recognition
Goshen, IN July 01, 2025 --( )-- FTG Imaging, the innovative leader in wireless dental radiography solutions, announced today that its flagship DC Air™ Wireless intraoral sensor has been honored with both the 2025 Dental Advisor Top Award and Dental Product Shopper Best Product recognition. These prestigious industry awards reinforce DC Air™'s position as the premier wireless dental X-ray sensor for modern dental practices seeking superior IA- Image Accuracy, enhanced patient comfort, and streamlined workflow efficiency. Industry Recognition Validates Revolutionary Wireless Dental Imaging Technology The dual award recognition highlights DC Air™'s groundbreaking direct-conversion technology and true wireless design that eliminates cables while delivering industry-leading images. The Dental Advisor evaluation process rigorously tests dental equipment for clinical performance, durability, and practice integration, while Dental Product Shopper's assessment focuses on real-world usability and dentist satisfaction. 'These awards validate our commitment to revolutionizing dental imaging through innovative technology that truly improves both patient experience and practice efficiency,' said Dr. Robert Sachs, D.D.S, Founder and COO at FTG Imaging. 'DC Air™ represents a paradigm shift in intraoral radiography, and this recognition from two respected industry authorities confirms that our wireless sensor is setting new standards for diagnostic accuracy and clinical workflow.' Superior Modulation Transfer Function Delivers Unmatched Image Accuracy DC Air™'s award-winning performance stems from its advanced direct-conversion image technology, which bypasses traditional scintillator layers to deliver exceptional image clarity. The sensor achieves superior Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) values exceeding 70% at 5 lp/mm and over 40% at 10 lp/mm, significantly outperforming legacy wired sensors in diagnostic spatial frequency ranges. This superior MTF performance enables dental professionals to: Detect microfractures and early-stage caries and Periodontal Disease with unprecedented clarity. Reduce retake radiographs by up to 40% due to enhanced Image Accuracy (IA) and alignment. Improve diagnostic confidence for AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning Enhance patient care through more accurate initial assessments. True Wireless Design Transforms Practice Efficiency and Patient Comfort Unlike sensors that claim wireless functionality but still require cables for data transmission, DC Air™ delivers complete wireless freedom through advanced Bluetooth Low Energy technology. This true wireless™ design, combined with the innovative Zero Profile™ Comfort System, creates measurable improvements in clinical workflow and patient satisfaction and image alignment. Practice Efficiency Benefits: Eliminates cable management and positioning constraints. Reduces imaging appointment time. Enables seamless transitions between imaging zones. Supports higher daily patient volume capacity. Patient Comfort Advantages: Minimizes discomfort for patients with sensitive gag reflexes. Accommodates Children and geriatric patients more effectively. Creates positive patient experiences that drive referrals and retention. Reduces anxiety associated with traditional wired sensor procedures. Comprehensive Technical Specifications Support Award-Winning Performance DC Air™'s recognition is supported by robust technical specifications designed for demanding clinical environments: Detector Technology: Direct Conversion Single Crystal Silicon/CMOS Active Imaging Area: 35.1mm x 24.7mm optimized for all intraoral regions Pixel Resolution: 26μm pixel size with 12-bit imaging (1,249,920 pixels) Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy with 3-meter plus range Battery Performance: 150+ X-rays per charge with rapid recharging Durability: IP67 water and dust resistance for clinical reliability Software Integration: TWAIN-compliant compatibility with leading dental platforms Zero Profile™ Comfort System Enhances Award-Winning Sensor Performance The DC Air™ sensor's award recognition extends to its accompanying Zero Profile™ Comfort System, designed by Dr. Robert Sachs specifically to maximize patient comfort and clinical alignment accuracy. This innovative holder system minimizes sensor intrusion while ensuring optimal positioning for diagnostic quality images across all intraoral regions. Industry Awards Reflect Growing Market Adoption and Clinical Success The 2025 award recognition follows continued market expansion and positive clinical feedback from dental practices implementing DC Air™ technology. Early adopting practices report significant improvements in patient satisfaction scores, reduced imaging retakes, and enhanced practice efficiency metrics. Dr. John Steinberg in Michigan who has been using DC Air™ for 4 years commented: 'The wireless freedom and superior Image Accuracy (IA) have transformed our dental X-ray workflow. Patients consistently comment on the improved comfort, and our team appreciates the freedom from the of cable constraints and the issues they cause. These awards recognize what we experience daily in our practice.' About FTG Imaging and DC Air™ Technology FTG Imaging develops innovative wireless digital radiography solutions for modern dental practices. The company's flagship DC Air™ wireless intraoral sensor represents the next generation of dental imaging technology, combining true wireless functionality with direct-conversion image quality excellence and ergonomic patient comfort. Manufactured in partnership with Athlos Oy in Finland, DC Air™ integrates seamlessly with existing dental software platforms while providing the wireless freedom and diagnostic accuracy that today's practices demand. The sensor supports AI-enabled diagnostic workflows and cloud-based practice management systems. Market Availability and Practice Implementation DC Air™ wireless intraoral sensors are available for immediate delivery to qualified dental practices throughout North America. FTG Imaging offers comprehensive implementation support, including staff training, software integration assistance, and ongoing technical support to ensure optimal practice adoption. The company provides flexible acquisition options for individual practices, multi-location groups, and dental service organizations. Custom pricing and bundled packages are available through FTG Imaging's network of authorized distributors and direct sales representatives. Future Innovation and Technology Development These latest awards reinforce FTG Imaging's commitment to continued innovation in wireless dental imaging technology. The company maintains active research and development programs focused on advancing image sensor technology, wireless connectivity solutions, and AI-integration capabilities for next-generation dental practice workflows. 'These awards motivate our team to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in dental imaging,' added Dr. Robert Sachs 'We're committed to developing technologies that not only improve clinical outcomes but also enhance the overall experience for both practitioners and patients.' About the Awards Dental Advisor is an independent dental product testing and evaluation organization that provides unbiased assessments of dental equipment and materials. Their Top Award recognition is based on rigorous clinical testing, long-term evaluation, and peer review by practicing dental professionals. Dental Product Shopper conducts comprehensive product evaluations based on real-world clinical usage, dentist feedback, and objective performance criteria. Their Best Product awards recognize dental equipment that delivers exceptional value, performance, and user satisfaction. Media Inquiries: FTG Imaging Media Relations Email: [email protected] Phone: (855) 664-1953 Product Information: FTG Imaging Sales Team Email: [email protected] Website: Custom Quote: Contact Information: FTG Imaging Robert Sachs, D.D.S. 855-664-1953 Contact via Email Robert Sachs, D.D.S. is the Chief Operating Officer of FTG Imaging Read the full story here: FTG Imaging's DC Air™ Wireless Intraoral Sensor Wins Prestigious 2025 Dental Advisor Top Award and Dental Product Shopper Best Product Recognition Press Release Distributed by
Medscape
20-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
First Scan for Suspected AxSpA: X-rays, MRI, or CT?
BARCELONA, Spain — Data from a prospective imaging study question the use of x-ray radiography first in the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a practice that is currently a part of recommendations by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). The study, which evaluated three different imaging pathways based on whether x-ray radiography, MRI, or CT of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) was used first, found that the two latter approaches yielded a higher diagnostic efficacy than the radiograph-first approach. While just 13% of 30 people who were in the radiograph-first arm of the study were confirmed as having axSpA after the initial scan, 22% of 91 patients in the MRI-first and 30% of 84 people in the CT-first arms were given an axSpA diagnosis. X-ray, MRI, or CT first? Dominik Deppe, MD 'To x-ray or not to x-ray? What may sound somewhat philosophical, is a relevant question,' said study investigator Dominik Deppe, MD, who presented the findings at European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 Annual Meeting. Deppe, a doctoral student in the Department of Radiology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, explained that although radiographs could show certain structural lesions, such as erosions, sclerosis, or ankylosis, and used relatively low levels of radiation, interpretation could be problematic. 'Even among experts, inter-reader reliability remains low,' Deppe said. MRIs are often performed if the results on radiography are negative or inconclusive. Such scans provide additional insights, he added, and can show both structural and inflammatory lesions, such as bone marrow edema. However, the high cost and low availability of MRI relative to radiography, however, were issues, he acknowledged. This is where CT could perhaps prove most useful. Although it's not part of the standard imaging pathway as yet, it is 'a gold standard for structural lesions,' Deppe said. He added: 'Historically, CT is considered to have high radiation exposure, but nowadays, we can perform CT with ultra-low dose techniques that allow us to reduce radiation exposure to a level that is comparable, or even less, compared to conventional x-rays.' Strategies Compared and Results The study included 205 people with suspected axSpA, who were randomly allocated into one of three arms: 30 to a radiograph-first or 'standard' arm, 91 to an MRI-first arm, and 84 to a CT-first arm. Scans were designated positive or negative by the consensus of two specialized musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to the clinical data. A positive result was defined as clear signs of structural or inflammation suggestive of axSpA and no further imaging was done. Those with negative scans underwent a subsequent scan with another method; those in the radiograph-first arm had an MRI scan and then a CT scan, those in the MRI-first arm had a CT scan, and those in the CT-first arm had an MRI scan. The results are preliminary because the study is ongoing and results from the final diagnosis by a rheumatologist are not yet available, Deppe said. He reported that in the radiograph-first arm, 26 (87%) people had a negative scan and then had an MRI scan. This was positive in three (11%) and negative in 23 (88%) of people. None of the people with a negative MRI scan had a positive CT scan. In the MRI-first arm, scans were positive in 20 (22%) and negative in 71 (78%) of people. Again, CT added no further cases among the people who were also MRI-negative. Finally, in the CT-first arm, there were 25 (30%) positive and 59 (70%) negative scans. MRI performed in the CT-negative patients detected two (3%) additional cases of confirmed axSpA. Deppe said: 'Our standard approach, [which] we're using right now, has the lowest diagnostic efficacy, compared to the MRI-first and CT-first approach.' Patient Characteristics Information about patient demographics were not presented, however, which prompted Uta Kiltz, MD, a senior rheumatologist at Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Herne, Germany, to ask for clarification and about the study design. 'Can you give some information about the population you included in the study?' she asked. 'I think we need to have some more context about the decision-making process to really understand the results.' Deppe responded that the patients had been referred with the suspicion and not confirmed diagnosis of axSpA and had been randomized through a third party into the three different imaging arms. Topline patient demographics had been given in the abstract, which stated that the mean age of the population studied was 38 years (SD, 10.58 years) and just over half (58%) were women. Around half (53%) of the study population was HLA-B27 positive. The mean C-reactive protein level was 3.66 mg/L, and the mean BMI was 25.57. The mean duration of back pain was around 8 years, and 70.6% of people had signs of inflammatory back pain. Questions Raised Several discussants raised concerns about the study design and the interpretation of these early findings. Eric Ruderman, MD, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, questioned why all patients did not receive all three imaging modalities: 'Ultimately, you don't know the diagnostic specificity of the [ultra] low-dose CT. Why didn't you do all three images in each patient, so that you can actually make a comparison once you have the confirmed diagnosis?' Deppe replied that the team wanted to be pragmatic: 'We wanted to evaluate the clinical settings where the patient does not undergo every imaging, but if we found positive results, as in the clinical practice, we don't need further imaging, and this is something we want to demonstrate in the study.' Xenofon Baraliakos, MD, head of rheumatology at the Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, and the new president of EULAR, raised concerns about potential false positives: 'What happens if the x-ray is it was falsely positive? Have you been able to check for that?' Deppe acknowledged the limitation: 'I think this is something we have to do when we have the final diagnosis by the rheumatologist, to see whether we missed or misinterpreted some of the images.' This study was independently supported. Deppe had no conflicts of interest. The commentators were not involved in the study.
