A health planning document: electron radiography

Technical Report · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6597631

Lindsay, D B

Issues in planning for electron radiography (ERG) are examined in this case study, which was carried out as part of a project to identify planning needs associated with emerging medical technologies. As an alternative to silver halide radiographic film, ERG is intended for use in conjuction with conventional X-ray generators in diagnostic radiology. The principal reasons for preferring ERG over silver film and other radiographic recording systems pertain to lower cost, improved information yield, and reduced radiation dose to patients. ERG technology is the exclusive proprietary product of a California firm. Chest radiography machines are available, and ERG units designed especially for mammography are in limited production. Three effects on health care delivery are likely to result if and when ERG equipment becomes generally available: diagnostic accuracy will be improved; the cost of diagnostic radiology may be reduced; and the speed of processing radiograms will increase. No health care delivery effects are anticipated with regard to manpower and training, equipment mobility, and increased use of ERG due to the reduction in radiation dose it allows. The cost of ERG devices is below $100,000, placing them outside the category of direct concern to health planning agencies in the review of projects under section 1122 of Public Law 92-603. References, illustrations, and a glossary are provided.

• Research Organization: Little (Arthur D.), Inc., Cambridge, MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6597631
• Report Number(s): HRP-0901942/3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550601* -- Medicine-- Unsealed Radionuclides in Diagnostics
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BIOMEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY
CALIFORNIA
COST
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DOSES
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
HISTOLOGY
LEPTONS
MEDICINE
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS
PLANNING
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOLOGY
USA
WESTERN REGION