U.S. military buys 50+ Orex CR units from SourceOne.

The U.S. military has purchased more than 50 radiological systems, manufactured by Orex Computerized Radiography and distributed through SourceOne Healthcare Technologies, enabling medical personnel to immediately assist those injured in battle.

SourceOne Healthcare Technologies, a Platinum Equity company recognized as the largest distributor of imaging equipment, supplies, accessories and service in the United States, sold the equipment to the military after a rigorous one-year selection process. The units are distributed computerized radiography (D-CR) units, which provide immediate diagnostic X-ray studies in digital format, eliminating the need for film and developing. The military purchase totaled $5 million.

The military chose Orex's PcCR 1417 CR because its high image quality, fast processing speed and desktop size make it particularly adaptable for use in a wide range of clinical settings, according to Hillel Bachrach, Orex president and chief executive officer. The Army intends to use the units in battlefield situations, including any conflicts that may arise as a result of current tensions in the Middle East.

"Orex is very proud to have been selected by the U.S. government based on an in-depth examination of our performance and features," said Bachrach. "The Orex desktop closed system appealed to the military buyers because, unlike competing CR systems, the Orex re-usable plate is never exposed to the clinics' working environment. This increases CR system reliability, extending plate life and resulting in more accurate and reliable clinical information."

"This is especially important when the unit is used in tough environmental conditions," added Jerry C. Cirino, president and chief executive officer of SourceOne. "The Army will be able to take X-rays on the battlefield and get digital images, copy them to a CD and send them back with the patient to a field hospital. The Orex units will accelerate the diagnosis process. They also will eliminate the need for film and chemicals. It's just going to make things easier."

Orex CR is a complete system that combines filmless laser scanners and erasable phosphor plates, advanced image management software and a personal computer-based review station. The plug-and-play D-CR line scans phosphor CR plates directly to the workstation without any special connections. The compact desktop systems are designed for small spaces and are affordable to purchase and maintain.

The new Orex D-CR line includes the PCCR 1417 and the dual-reader RAIS 2. RAIS stands for redundant array integration system, which allows for the operation of two CR readers simultaneously, doubling output, increasing efficiency and reducing cost. In this system, the two CR readers also can serve as backups for each other. The PcCR 1417 reads up to 41 plates, measuring up to 14 inches by 17 inches in size, in an hour, while the dual system reads 84 plates an hour.

In November, Los Angeles-based Platinum Equity acquired the two largest imaging supply distributors in the United States--Diagnostic Imaging and Health Care Products--and quickly moved to form SourceOne Healthcare Technologies.

The merger of the two companies creates the largest distributor of imaging equipment, supplies, accessories and service in the United States. The combined organization has a state-of-the-art distribution network, expanded products and services and the technical expertise to help customers transition to digital imaging technology. With the acquisitions, Platinum extended its reach in the medical products, supplies and services sector, which the company believes has considerable long-term growth potential.