Purchased by the University for teaching and research within the School of Clinical Sciences, Computer Radiography, or CR, is a digital way of capturing, viewing and storing medical images such as a chest x-ray on a computer. 

As the first system of its kind in Wagga Wagga, the new Computer Radiography unit has clear advantages over the use of plain film in medical imaging.

Unlike plain film, two doctors in separate locations can view CR images at the same time – of particular use to health services in rural and remote areas of Australia. 

Images of subtle bone fractures can be enhanced using CR so they can be more easily viewed and Computer Radiography also allows the manipulation of the image to reveal both soft tissue and bone detail. In contrast, this procedure requires two exposures by a radiographer using plain film.

As a result of its advantages, CR is rapidly replacing the use of plain film by radiographers in major Australian hospitals as well as those in private practice and smaller hospitals.

“The purchase of a CR unit by the University at a cost of about $170 000 will further enhance the teaching of medical imaging students, as CSU recognises the importance of both theoretical and practical aspects of their education,” said radiographer and CSU lecturer Rob Davidson.

“The new unit will allow CSU staff and postgraduate students to conduct research into this emerging digital radiographic technique, as CR is still a relatively new method of aiding the diagnosis and prevention of diseases,” added Mr Davidson.

Plain film images can also be digitised through the new CR unit so students can view both good and bad examples of medical images over the computer and eventually over the web. 

The CSU School of Clinical Sciences equips students to use a range of medical imaging techniques, including computerised tomography (CT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasounds.
Local radiographers, radiologists, orthopaedic surgeons and health administrators have been invited to attend the opening of the CR unit by Professor Goulter at 5.30pm this Wednesday 13 August at CSU Wagga Wagga Campus.