X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends individual
x-ray particles through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist. The positioning of the patient, x-ray machine, and film depends on the type of study and area of interest. Multiple individual views may be requested.
Much like conventional photography, motion causes blurry images on radiographs, and thus, patients may be asked to hold their breath or not move during the brief exposure (about 1 second).
AFP Imaging Corporation (AFPC.OB) announced that it has begun the delivery and installation of the new model "VG" (vertical generation) Cone Beam CT x-ray scanners ("CBCT") to dentists in the United States, Canada and Europe. The Company recently received regulatory clearance from the FDA, Health Canada and the CE agencies for this new model. It joins the Company's well respected "New Tom" 3-D imaging product line. The Model "VG" allows the patient to stand, sit or stay in a wheel chair while they are scanned in an upright, vertical position. It utilizes a conical beam of
x-rays that passes around the head, allowing the capture of a three dimensional, digital radiographic image of the patient's teeth and jaw structures. The Company's technology features proprietary software to capture and quickly display these detailed images. 3-D applications are vital for orthodontics, implants and oral surgery, among others, where complex cases require sophisticated imaging to plan the treatment procedure. Cone Beam imaging is quickly becoming the high tech, gold standard of care for the dental professional. Patients also benefit from reduced radiation dosage and quicker treatment scheduling.
The Company expects significant growth of profitable revenues from this new product. AFP's entry into the CBCT market was achieved in April 2007 through the successful acquisition of QR srl, Verona, Italy. Vertical, CBCT patient positioning reduces the office space required for the equipment and will often replace an older, two dimensional panoramic x-ray unit. The Company's software upgrades and product development programs are being expanded for additional medical applications. Currently, AFP has about five hundred of the original New Tom 3-D units installed, worldwide.
Since the acquisition, the Company has significantly invested in sales and marketing programs to bring these CBCT products into commerce. AFP and QR attend and demonstrate all of its x-ray imaging equipment at the major dental trade shows in the USA and internationally.
