Lightweight x-ray platform puts community imaging within reach

Fujifilm has launched the FDR Xair portable x-ray system, designed for unconventional and challenging healthcare environments. It is expected to improve community healthcare provision as the NHS seeks to deliver services more locally.

The FDR Xair has undergone extensive trials at a UK hospital this year, in partnership with NHS Improvement, with results from initial phases due to be reported before the end of this year. At just over 3.5kg the FDR Xair is a lightweight x-ray generator that is used in combination with a D-Evo II detector, a Console Advance laptop and a stand. All components pack away into a carry case and the system is designed for use by a solo radiographer.

At just over 3.5kg the FDR Xair is a lightweight x-ray generator that is used in combination with a D-Evo II detector, a Console Advance laptop and a stand. All components pack away into a carry case and the system is designed for use by a solo radiographer.

“As the NHS transitions to community healthcare hubs and aims to reduce hospital admittance, especially for the elderly, new ways of delivering services will be required,” said general manager of Fujifilm Medical Systems UK Adrian Waller. “The FDR Xair offers a new way of imaging patients in non-clinical settings and has the potential to transform radiography services. Not only will patients benefit from community imaging, but hospital radiology departments will see a corresponding drop in workload.”

The system is fully wireless and has the capability to connect to a hospital RIS and PACS, or even AI algorithms, utilising Fujifilm’s cloud collaboration platform. A lithium battery allows the FDR Xair to be operated in environments without electricity, and it can acquire up to 100 images on a full charge. Clinicians can examine patients in their own homes, in a care home or a GP surgery. There is also scope for the FDR Xair to provide instant imaging in emergency situations such as in a first responder vehicle, resus room or field hospital.

Picture: Fujifilm’s portable FDR Xair weighs just over 3.5kg.

Published on page 8 of the December 2020 issue of RAD Magazine.