New Mobile X-Ray Unit Gives COD Radiography Students State-of-the-Art Training

A new mobile X-ray unit is bringing state-of-the-art wireless technology into radiography labs at College of DuPage.

Jeff Papp, professor of Diagnostic Medical Imaging, said the wireless technology allows a radiographer to generate a high-quality image in a matter of seconds.

"While mobile units provide great flexibility in terms of when and how an image is taken, the prior technology relied on film, which meant people had to wait for the image to be developed," he said. "The wireless technology produces the image quickly, which a physician can access on everything from a computer to a digital tablet or even a smartphone."

Papp said wireless technology was developed a number of years ago but the electronic interface was slow. New technology has resulted in instant imaging and the ability to transport the image anywhere quickly, whether it's to a local physician's office or to a medical institution located across the country.

In addition, if the exposure on film wasn't correct, the image would need to be retaken. Now, Papp said, computer software can fix an image that isn't exposed at the optimum level.

The new mobile X-ray unit was delivered in March, and COD radiography students began using the unit in the classroom almost immediately.

"In the past, we couldn't teach mobile or surgical X-ray in the classroom because we didn't have the mobile equipment. Now we can take the new unit anywhere, from the Hospital Simulation lab to the mock OR lab, and maximize its effectiveness as at teaching and learning tool," Papp said. "The wireless technology is what hospitals are using today, so now we are giving our students additional skills they can use right away on the job."

For information about the Radiography program, email healthcareadvising@cod.edu or call (630) 942-2259 to schedule an appointment to meet with a health care program advisor.