Research Article

Use of Novel Digital X-ray Device Reduces Radiation Exposure, Imaging Costs, and Work Related Injury in the Emergency Department

Authors: Ashley Conner MS, Jesua I Law DO.

DOI: 10.33425/3065-5641.1018

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Abstract

Background: Emergency departments (EDs) depend on rapid, reliable radiography. However, conventional mobile X-ray units are often heavy and cumbersome, can contribute to delays in bedside imaging, and are associated with an increased risk of operator musculoskeletal injury. Despite advances in digital radiography, positioning and exposure errors still drive meaningful retake rates, adding avoidable ionizing-radiation exposure and cost; when each exam carries a material per-study cost, repeat imaging accumulates quickly.

Objective: To address common ED pain points—unnecessary radiation from retakes, ergonomic burden, and direct imaging costs—by evaluating a handheld, low-output system capable of digital radiography (DR), dynamic digital radiography (DDR), and fluoroscopy.

Approach: We describe the implementation of the OXOS MC2 handheld X-ray system in the ED and its design features intended to improve timeliness and safety: compact form factor; low radiation output with small scatter; and alignment safeguards (“no-fire” positioning) to reduce mis-framing and exposure errors. The system can be operated by trained ED personnel under appropriate supervision and local policy, aiming to alleviate technologist bottlenecks during peak demand.

Significance: In time-critical settings, every minute from order to first image matters for triage and disposition. By bringing DR/DDR/fluoroscopy directly to the bedside and reducing repeat acquisitions, decreasing cumulative radiation when no truly safe dose threshold has been established, lowering per-episode imaging costs, and mitigating staff injury risk linked to cart transport. The present work discusses ED pitfalls with conventional mobile imaging and outlines how a handheld approach may improve speed and accuracy, reduce wait times, reduce retakes, lower radiation dose, and lower department costs while maintaining diagnostic utility. These findings support broader use of handheld X-ray in emergency care pathways.

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