Kodak Unveils Advanced Films for Radiography Use

EHM News Bureau - Mumbai

Kodak India Private Limited, the India subsidiary of the USD 13.5 billlion Eastman Kodak Company, unveiled its latest slew of products for the medical imaging community, at the 59th Annual Indian Radiology Congress organised by the Indian Radiology and Imaging Association which opened in the city today. Among these products, are hyper-speed and Insight films, superior quality films for X-ray which provide enhanced contrast and image quality for better diagnosis.

Kodak’s Health Imaging Group is a world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing intelligent medical imaging and information products, services and information technology (IT) solutions for the medical and dental professions. Its broad product portfolio includes computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems, laser imagers, picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), radiology information systems, traditional mammography and X-ray film systems, dental imaging and various services offerings.

Kodak’s role in health imaging virtually parallels the discovery and application of X-ray technology in medicine. Kodak introduced the first product expressly designed for capturing X-ray images in 1896, within a year of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen.

The products debuted at the Radiology Congress continued Kodak’s 100-year history of innovation in medical imaging. The Hyper-speed G Medical Film is a general-purpose film that significantly reduces the exposure for patients and technicians to radiation, while maintaining high diagnostic image quality.

The unique high-speed film features technology for higher resolution, contrast and increased visibility of line detail. The Insight Film, on the other hand, is meant for specialised radiology applications in thoracic, paediatric and skeletal imaging. The Insight range offers zero-crossover technology for improved resolution, a range of contrast levels and enhanced visualisation of anatomical structures giving crisp, clear images for increased diagnostic confidence.

Speaking about Kodak’s product showcase at the Radiology Congress, Dr Mohan Nadkarni, Vice President and Country Head of Kodak’s Health Group said, “Our products are designed to make life easier for the radiology community. The new films further our commitment to protect the investments already made by radiologists as the films can be used with any green-lighting screens. There is no need to invest in new screens or cassettes.”

Another unique initiative from Kodak Health, unveiled at the Congress is the Radiology Positioning Chart. A part of Kodak’s ongoing effort at education for the radiology community, the chart will help technicians and doctors in correctly placing the patient in readiness for an X-ray, depending on the part of the body to be exposed. The chart aims to assist the radiographers to take better X-rays leading to better diagnosis.

Kodak Health, with 2004 revenues of USD 2.68 billion, is a world leader in advanced healthcare products, services and information technology (IT) solutions for the medical and dental professions. Its broad product portfolio includes picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), radiology information systems (RIS), enterprise healthcare and clinical information systems, computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems, laser imagers, so on.