How to Determine Whether PixelShine is a Good Investment for your Diagnostic Imaging Facility

It seems that every passing year comes with new advances in diagnostic imaging technology. With finite budgets, most healthcare organizations face tough decisions about which equipment and technologies will bring the most value to them and their patients. Recently, many ROS customers have asked us whether it is worth it to purchase one product in particular: PixelShine. Using new deep learning reconstruction techniques, PixelShine software reduces noise in CT scans, resulting in higher-quality images and the ability to lower radiation doses.

PixelShine is compatible with all CT scanners—including older legacy machines—which means that any facility performing CT scans could benefit from purchasing it. But what factors should they keep in mind when deciding whether PixelShine is the right choice?

Costs and Savings

Up-front cost is usually the first variable on purchasing managers’ minds when they are thinking of investing in new equipment. Unlike other medical equipment, which depreciates in value over time, PixelShine keeps adding value for as long as facilities use it. One way it does this is by extending the usable lifespan of a CT scanner, including key components such as costly X-ray tubes. Lower radiation doses have been proven to slow the deterioration of x-ray tubes by reducing the heat generated during scans. Because PixelShine helps lower radiation dose while producing CT scans of equal or greater quality, facilities can conduct many more scans before they need to replace their x-ray tubes.

Higher-Quality Imaging

Clearer, noise-free CT scans make diagnosis easier by increasing the radiologists clinical confidence. This may reduce the risk of diagnostic errors. (Misdiagnosis can delay treatment and potentially endanger patients’ lives, so any technology that makes accurate diagnosis easier is a boon to patient safety). But even in facilities that already enjoy perfect or near-perfect accuracy in patient diagnoses, PixelShine’s clear imaging has positive implications for patient care and safety. CT scanning is a major source of patients’ exposure to radiation during healthcare procedures. And while the radiation doses associated with CT scans are generally considered safe, there have been few studies on ionizing radiation’s long-term effects on the human body. In particular, studies on pediatric cancer patients have shown that those who receive high radiation doses during their treatment are at heightened risk of developing other cancers later in life. Reducing this exposure—especially when doing so comes at a low cost and requires no changes to procedures—can only protect patients from unnecessary risks.

Drawbacks and Alternatives

Many newer CT scanners may already have dose reduction/image enhancement software using iterative reconstruction technology, and although PixelShine’s technology is different and proven to be more effective, it may not be necessary to purchase a second solution.

Cost is also a consideration, and although PixelShine is more cost-effective than other solutions, budget-constrained facilities may still be unable to afford this technology. However, over time, there is no doubt that investment in PixelShine pays off, not just for the facilities—but for radiologists and patients alike.

Who PixelShine is For?

PixelShine is being utilized by a broad spectrum of imaging facilities, from large university hospitals and teaching facilities, to more budget-conscious facilities using older equipment. Some users are concerned about extending their equipment’s lifetime, and replacing their CT scanners may be out of the question given their high costs. They find PixelShine an attractive alternative because of its low up-front costs and the long-term savings it provides over the lives of their machines.

However, facilities using newer equipment (or purchasing brand-new machines) are in an even stronger position to benefit from PixelShine: They have the most to gain, since PixelShine produces the greatest ROI if it is used from the beginning of a CT scanner’s life. For those still unsure about whether PixelShine makes sense for their facility, ROS is happy to answer questions and learn more about your unique needs: You can contact us at info@oncologysystems.com or +1 (858) 454-8100.