| Significantly lowers case detection cost |
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Cost per image of direct digital X-ray is up to 85% lower than that of analogue cameras using films. For direct digital systems comparable to the Odelca-DR similar cost savings can be expected. Initial high investment in direct digital X-ray results in shorter payback periods as daily throughput increases. Other benefits such as ease of use, immediate image availability, environmental friendliness, remote diagnosis of images and quality monitoring capabilities by NTP’s have not been taken into account in this financial analysis.Operating Cost SavingsAs the digital camera warrants very low operating costs, high annual savings can be made as illustrated in the below graph. Annual savings are estimated to range from € 25,000 to € 170,000 per digital system depending on the throughput.   Payback PeriodDue to the very low operating costs, a digital camera pays itself back in only 0.8 years when 300 images are taken daily during 5 days a week, in 1.7 years at 150 images per day and in 5,8 years when only 50 images are taken daily. For this reason, the digital camera is particularly apt for prevalence studies and larger TB centres.  |