GE Healthcare, of Waukesha, Wisc., has announced its first line of digital radiography x-ray products from the company to be recognized as “ecomagination offerings,” based on the systems’ energy and operational efficiency.

GE’s digital x-ray technology eliminates the film and chemicals used by an analog processor, therefore removing the need to purchase, handle and dispose of processing developer and fixer chemicals. According to the company, eliminating 50,000 analog films saves 1,900 gallons (7,200 L) of fixer and developer per year. 

One digital x-ray room is designed to replace two GE analog x-ray rooms, maintaining the same imaging volume yet saving energy and space.

The term “ecomagination” refers to GE’s commitment to imagine and build innovative technologies that help customers address their environmental and financial needs, such as the need for cleaner, more efficient sources of energy.

To receive the ecomagination distinction, a system must complete the GE’s internal environmental and operational evaluation.

GE says its digital radiography x-ray system has the potential to reduce energy consumption by 4,300 kWh or 78%, and save approximately $100,000 per year in productivity and material costs based on US national averages.

The digital x-ray product line includes the Discovery XR650, Optima XR640, DR-F, Definium 8000, Definium 6000, Definium 5000 and Definium AMX 700.