Upgrading radiology departments to digital radiography doesn’t have to mean replacing everything. Agfa offers a modular, effective upgrade path through its DR Retrofit, Duraline panels, and DR Detectors that allows medical facilities to improve image quality, workflow, and patient safety while using much of their existing X-ray infrastructure.
What DR Retrofit Offers
Agfa’s DR Retrofit solution is designed to convert analogue and CR-based X-ray systems into full DR (Direct Radiography) systems. It uses the Duraline panels or other DR Detectors to capture images digitally, enabling faster processing, immediate review, and integration with modern PACS/RIS systems. This solution protects the investment in existing tables, stands, and generators and helps hospitals and clinics transition at their own pace rather than making a full replacement.
Key features of DR Retrofit include:
- Use of wireless DR Detectors, which can be shared across multiple X-ray systems.
- Fast ROI since image quality and workflow improvements are immediate. The Automatic Exposure Detection (AED) in Retrofit allows the system to detect cassette size without needing electrical connectors, simplifying installation.
- Workflow efficiency: one or two batteries allow up to ~15 hours operating time with Dura-line detectors helping sustain long shifts.
Duraline panels: Durability, Imaging and Ergonomics
The cornerstone of Agfa’s upgrade path is Duraline panels. These panels represent DR Detectors built for robust use while maintaining excellent imaging characteristics. Key attributes:
- High durability with IP67 rating (water and dust protection) and resistance to drops of 1 meter (or even up to 1.5 meters for the XF+ glass-free series).
- Excellent image quality: the detectors use Caesium Iodide (CsI) scintillators and, when paired with MUSICA® image processing, can achieve dose reductions of ~50-60% versus older CR or film systems.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design: smaller sizes (10×12″, 14×17″, 17×17″) allow easy handling, faster repositioning. Ideal for mobile DR and high throughput settings.
DR Detectors & Sharing Strategy
Agfa’s range of DR Detectors supports both Retrofit and full digital DR systems. They are designed to be vendor-neutral, meaning they can work with many existing X-ray systems. Key advantages:
- Sharing across mobile and stationary systems to maximise utilisation. One detector may be used with multiple Bucky tables, floor stands, or even neonatal trays.
- Consistent image quality supported by MUSICA image processing, which delivers sharp detail, high modulation transfer function (MTF) values (≈90% for XD panels), high detective quantum efficiency (DQE), especially in the premium Dura-line series.
- Security and reliability: WPA2-PSK cybersecurity, temperature operating range (0-40°C), drop height resistance, water/dust resistance.
How Agfa’s Approach Helps Radiology Departments
By combining DR Retrofit, Duraline panels, and DR Detectors, Agfa provides a solution path that:
- Enhances patient care through faster imaging and reduced dose
- Improves operational efficiency without tearing down rooms
- Bridges analogue/CR based infrastructure with modern DR performance
- Offers durable, shared detector hardware reducing cost per system
In summary, Agfa Radiology Solutions’ DR Retrofit, together with its Duraline panels and DR Detectors, gives healthcare providers a flexible, durable, and efficient route to digital radiography. Hospitals can preserve existing equipment while bringing their imaging capability up to modern standards.
