Benefits of Utilizing Full-Body Lodox Digital Radiography in Forensic Pathology

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to measure the time spent by a single autopsy assistant in obtaining full-body radiographic imaging in a forensic pathology setting. The Lodox digital radiography (DR) system was compared with a traditional cassette-based portable computed radiography (CR) system to quantify time saved by the implementation of the Lodox imaging system. Methods Decedents were examined with the Lodox DR and portable CR systems to provide full-body coverage with each system. Timing was divided into preparation, acquisition, and postacquisition stages, with an additional transfer stage being required for the Lodox DR system. A neutral observer timed each stage for each decedent examined with both systems. Results The Lodox DR system provided an 87% time savings ( p < 0.001) over the portable CR system to complete full-body radiographic scanning. While the portable CR system was faster at image acquisition ( p < 0.001), the Lodox DR system was faster during the preparation ( p < 0.001) and postacquisition ( p < 0.001) stages. Conclusions The time required for a full-body radiographic examination is markedly shortened with utilization of the Lodox DR system. Seven full-body examinations can be completed with the Lodox DR system in the time that a single full-body examination is completed with the portable CR system. In a forensic pathology setting, the Lodox DR system is therefore more time-efficient than the portable CR system studied, as it provides the same scope in a shorter time period, allowing for streamlining of radiographic imaging studies.