Newheek NK102 Collimator Case Study: Improved Patient Safety & Diagnostic Efficiency at a Regional Hospital

Introduction: The Hospital’s Imaging Challenge

• Limited space in ICU, ER, and inpatient wards
• High risk of unnecessary radiation exposure for patients and staff
• Need for clear, diagnostic images without moving critically ill patients

The Solution: Newheek NK102 Collimator

• Continuously adjustable radiation field: Max 440×440mm at 100cm SID, supporting full-body and targeted exams
• Bright light field (>160 lux): Clear visibility in busy, well-lit wards
• Simple manual operation: Easy to adjust with knob pointer scales
• Low leakage radiation: Compliant with safety standards for bedside use
• 1mm Al filtration at 75kV: Reduces patient dose without compromising image quality

Implementation: Integrating the NK102 with Portable DR

1. ICU and high-dependency units
2. Emergency department
3. General inpatient wards
4. Operating rooms

• Training technologists on manual beam adjustment and light field alignment
• Calibrating the collimators to match each portable DR system’s SID (100cm standard)
• Updating protocols to prioritize collimation to the anatomy of interest

Results: Improved Safety, Quality, and Efficiency

1. Reduced Radiation Exposure

• Patient dose reduction: Up to 30% lower effective dose per exam, thanks to precise beam limiting
• Staff safety: Minimal stray radiation in crowded wards, meeting regulatory requirements for occupational exposure
• Pediatric and vulnerable patients: Reduced risk of overexposure in neonates and critically ill individuals

2. Enhanced Image Quality & Diagnostic Accuracy

• Clearer, higher-contrast images: Eliminated scatter radiation, improving visibility of subtle abnormalities like pneumonia or fractures
• Fewer retakes: Image quality issues dropped by 40%, reducing patient discomfort and staff workload
• Better diagnostic confidence: Radiologists reported improved clarity for bedside chest and abdominal exams

3. Streamlined Workflow

• Fast setup: The collimator’s intuitive manual knobs allowed technologists to adjust the beam field in seconds
• No downtime: The rugged, reliable design required minimal maintenance
• Versatility: Compatible with both portable DR and fixed radiography systems, offering flexibility for different clinical needs

Testimonial from the Hospital’s Radiology Manager

“The Newheek NK102 collimator transformed our bedside radiography workflow. Technologists love how easy it is to use, and we’ve seen a clear reduction in retakes and radiation dose. It’s become an essential part of our portable DR setup.”

— Head of Radiology, Regional Hospital

Conclusion: Why the NK102 Is the Right Choice for Hospitals

• Compatible with most portable and mobile X-ray machines
• Delivers significant radiation dose reduction
• Enhances image quality for more accurate diagnoses
• Requires minimal training and maintenance