X-Ray Theft-Detection System Steals into Hospital Trauma Unit

Originally Published MPMN October 2001

X-Ray Theft-Detection System Steals into Hospital Trauma Unit

Technology developed to catch diamond thieves may soon be found in an array of applications that require quick, low-emission x-ray imaging of large objects. Commercialized by Lodox Systems Ltd. (Sandton, South Africa; www.lodox.com), the Lodox x-ray system has its roots in equipment used to perform full-body imaging of diamond miners.

To overcome the limitations associated with repeatedly scanning a large number of workers, the Lodox machine uses an x-ray imager mounted to a movable C-arm to scan an object the size of a human body in about 13 seconds. Because scanning is performed in one continuous motion, the system is faster than most stop-and-start machines, and produces approximately 25% of the radiation. Images are output digitally with resolution up to 4.2 line-pairs per mm. A gray scale function with 16,000 levels optimizes contrast.

Though initially designed for use with humans, the system's creators say that the machine is suitable for rapidly scanning any large, complex-shaped object with minimum exposure to radiation. Currently, the Lodox system is undergoing clinical testing in a South African hospital trauma unit where it is being used to diagnose serious injuries within seconds of a patient's arrival. FDA approval for the product is expected in the first quarter of 2002.

Zachary Turke

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