New CT Detector Technology Entices Providers with Promises of Dose Reduction

CHICAGO, IL, November 28, 2012 (Press-News.org) An early assessment of Siemens' new CT detector technology indicates that 75 percent of customers interviewed benefit from decreased radiation dose. Twelve of the first 17 early adopters contributed to the research findings for this technology review entitled Siemens CT: How Stellar Can a Detector Be?

Because of regulatory processes that are in place, the European market started using the Stellar Detector several months before the North American market. This study includes participants from both North America and Europe. They were randomly selected from the full list of single detector Edge or dual detector Flash CT customers.

"Providers have been asking KLAS for a long time to share insights into new technologies from the perspective of early adopters," said Ben Brown, imaging research director and author of the report. "This technology review about the Stellar Detector allows us the opportunity to share the realized benefits as well as the challenges that providers face when adopting a new technology such as this one within the first few months of implementation."

Those using the new detector identify success through the improvements in image quality. One provider said, "We have been doing a lot of cases with the Stellar Detector. Where it has really impressed us is when I do some of the 3D imaging. It is very impressive on the vessels. It creates very sharp edges. ...It has very, very sharp edges. If I put them side by side, I can really tell a difference."

Spine imaging is the highest rated area of imaging performance with a score of 4.9 out of 5. Obese imaging (4.6 out of 5) and stent imaging (4.5 out of 5) follow close on its heels. Customers say that pediatric imaging is enhanced, and the dose reduction made the Stellar Detector the exclusive pediatric imaging choice of several participants.

While customers are optimistic, several had varying opinions for low-kV imaging, which received a lower rating than other functionalities with a score of 4.0 out of 5. Non-contrast neuro imaging rated slightly lower at 3.9 out of 5.

A handful of these early adopters also reported that setting scanner protocols and configurations can be challenging. Leveraging Siemens' training and educational resources to lower dose and utilize dose-saving tools was identified as a best practice.

Providers and vendors can learn more about the Stellar Detector from the full report Siemens CT: How Stellar Can a Detector Be?, which is available to healthcare providers at a significant discount. To purchase the report, visit www.KLASresearch.com/KLASreports.

About KLAS
KLAS is a research firm on a global mission to improve healthcare delivery by enabling providers to be heard and to be counted. Working with thousands of healthcare executives and clinicians, KLAS gathers data on software, services, medical equipment, and infrastructure systems to deliver timely reports, trends, and statistical overviews. The research directly represents the provider voice and acts as a catalyst for improving vendor performance. Founded in 1996, KLAS' staff and advisory board members average 25 years of healthcare information technology experience. For more information, go to www.KLASresearch.com, email marketing@KLASresearch.com, or call 1-800-920-4109 to speak with a KLAS representative. Follow KLAS on Twitter @KLASresearch.