FREE DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY SUPPLEMENT FROM ACVR IS 

HELPING VETERINARIANS MAKE THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL 

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Making the switch from analog to digital radiography is a major step for any veterinary referral hospital or private practice, and the details can be overwhelming. That's why the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) is making its comprehensive Digital Radiography Supplement available free to all interested veterinarians. 

"Digital radiography is a rapidly emerging modality in veterinary medicine," said ACVR president Jon Shiroma, DVM, DACVR. "Our belief is that the more veterinarians understand the many facets and possibilities of digital radiography, the more prepared they'll be to make informed purchasing decisions and acquire the system that works most effectively for their specific practice." 

The 62-page guide is intended to help inform the veterinary community, from veterinary radiologists to private practice veterinarians, about digital radiography and the many components associated with it, according to ACVR Marketing Committee chair Wm. Tod Drost, DVM, DACVR. The supplement was a team effort by authors who were asked to contribute based on their expertise and leadership in digital radiography. The supplement not only covers the basics, it covers a lot of ground. Topics include detailed articles about acquisition hardware, DICOM protocol, image display, archiving systems, the role of networks, teleradiology, DR artifacts, image processing, and more. 

Making an efficient switch to digital radiography is a substantial economic investment that involves more than the purchase of digital radiography acquisition hardware. Modality management also requires an infrastructure (including software, network, and storage options) that adequately supports the acquisition hardware and works effectively for an individual hospital or practice. 

"I've experienced a switch from analog to digital, and know what it's like to start with more questions than answers," Drost said.  "So it's been a privilege to work with these authors and coordinate this publication to help other veterinarians as they make the transition." 

Along with 10 primary articles, the supplement features a variety of helpful charts and graphs, key word definitions, article summaries and references. Veterinarians, and others involved with the veterinary profession, are encouraged to download a free copy.

The American College of Veterinary Radiology 

The American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) was founded in 1961 to determine competence of candidates in veterinary radiology, and to encourage the development of teaching personnel and training facilities in veterinary radiology. The ACVR Diplomate is certified as a specialist in Veterinary Radiology or Veterinary Radiation Oncology (or both specialties) by the ACVR, and has earned the right to be called a Recognized Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging or Recognized Specialist in Radiation Oncology by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). With greater awareness, advances in technology, along with higher expectations of pet owners, the number of active ACVR board-certified radiologists has grown to 360, which includes 69 board-certified radiation oncologists. 

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