ADC 70 computed radiography (CR) System for Agfa includes digitizer, cassettes, and ID station, plus Optional Preview Monitor, workstation.

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.--(HealthWire)--Sept. 19, 1995--Agfa has introduced its ADC 70 computed radiography system for producing high quality X-ray images on reusable photostimulable phosphor-coated ADC (Agfa Diagnostic Center) imaging plates.

Used in cassettes just like conventional film, ADC plates provide extremely wide latitude, with broad tolerance for exposure fluctuations. This, in combination with the system's image processing capabilities, means reduced retakes and, in some instances, lower dosage.

The ADC 70 digitizer cassette buffer accepts up to ten cassettes of mixed sizes. Each is automatically from the input buffer, scanned, digitized, erased, and placed in an output buffer for immediate re-use. High image quality is ensured by Musica(TM) (Multi-scale Image Contrast Amplification) digital image processing, which is actually a series of algorithms for enhancement of detail contrast, exposure field recognition, automatic density control, noise reduction, latitude reduction. The digitizer also "reads" a memory chip permanently mounted on the cassette. A separate ADC ID station records patient data and exam type onto each cassette memory chip.

For image retrieval, display, postprocessing, and routing, the available ADC PS5000 workstation offers comprehensive image enhancement capabilities. The workstation can also be used to transmit images to an Agfa LR3300 laser imager or IMPAX network.

Linked to the ADC 70 digitizer, an optional preview monitor speeds up patient flow by immediately displaying a fully scanned and processed image together with the patient's name. Patient positioning and image quality can be checked on the monitor before film is printed or transmitted to other locations on the IMPAX network. The preview monitor can show only the most recently digitized image, or the four latest images with the most recent one highlighted. As many as four preview monitors can be installed per ADC system.

The Agfa-Gevaert Group is a leading worldwide manufacturer of imaging products and systems, with annual worldwide sales of $4.5 billion. Agfa-Gevaert manufactures and markets products and systems for the electronic and photographic prepress, medical and technical diagnostic, and amateur and professional photographic markets. Headquartered in Europe, Agfa-Gevaert is wholly owned by Bayer AG. In the United States, Agfa operates as a division of Bayer Corporation, with headquarters in Ridgefield Park. Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has major business in chemicals, health care and imaging technologies. Bayer Corporation employs 22,000 people and had sales of $7.1 billion in 1994.

CONTACT: Agfa Division, Bayer Corporation

Thomas Colucci, 800/581-AGFA (2432)

201-440-8041 (fax)