A Brief History Lesson from RaySafe

Business Development Manager, Ed Brand

Business Development Manager, Ed Brand, manages both the DX and RMS product lines in the Americas region for RaySafe. He works alongside who he calls, “a brilliant group of colleagues,” who he, “never gets tired of learning new things from, and who genuinely love talking to people and teaching.” Ed finds value in knowing the ins and outs of our products and will only pitch a sale if he’s confident the RaySafe product will help make their life better. In addition to having great coworkers, Ed expressed excitement for customers who are new to our brand and products – specifically those who have never used an X2 before. He shares, “the first time a customer uses an X2, they’re like ‘Woah...this is awesome!’” and he gets that exact reaction quite often.

Q&A with Ed Brand

How has X-ray imaging evolved?

Over the years, X-ray imaging technology has evolved intending to produce higher image quality, while minimizing patient and, in some cases, staff radiation dosage. 

For example, mammography machine manufacturers have implemented new target/filter combinations such as Rh/Ag, W/Rh, W/Ag, to name a few, and have implemented new techniques, such as 3D mammography to achieve this goal.

Another example is the implementation of pulsed fluoroscopy. Although this technique has been around for a while now, pulsed radiation reduces exposure to the patient without compromising the quality of the live image. Most fluoroscopy procedures do not require continuous fluoroscopy, which, if misused, exposes the patient to more than necessary.

Why is it important to test this kind of equipment?

I believe it is important to measure parameters such as dose, kV, exposure time, HVL, etc., because they ultimately tell us whether the X-ray is producing the quality images it’s capable of producing, without exposing patients to more radiation than necessary. And if that’s not enough reason to do so, there are also enforced government regulations that must be met.  

Can you talk about the Xi and how the X2 came to replace this device? Why do you think they should upgrade to the X2?

The Xi was developed in the early 2000s. It was a great improvement over what was available back then and is still a workhorse for many. However, with the need to accommodate new mammography quality beam qualities as well as our users’ requests for new functionality and features, it became apparent that it was time to take the next leap. The result of this leap is the RaySafe X2. Its intuitive user interface makes it extremely easy to use. It employs robust algorithms to calculate more accurate measurements and now has a “stacked sensor” technology which has made for an almost transparent sensor. This is extremely important for some dose measurements in fluoroscopy.  The X2 Base Unit can store data from up to 10,000 exposures which can be retrieved using RaySafe View software or using the base unit's user interface. Its' “plug and play” ability makes it much easier to use, in most cases, there is no setting to adjust. “There’s no need to pick up a manual every time you use it!"

What were the development stages of the X2?

We began by meeting the new expected standards of R/F and mammography sensors. Then took it a step further by adding the CT, light, and survey sensors. More to come soon!

What has made this product successful? How does it differ from competitors?

The products overall ease of use, “plug and play” with the sensors, and intuitive user interface are what make the X2 top of the line. Its accuracy and RaySafe expertise in employing solid-state technology to measure X-rays makes for a rock-solid product. These factors set it apart from the competition.

What else do you think an X2 user should have in their toolbox?

Many X2 users also carry the RaySafe DRX+, p fluoro phantom, and pro-digi radiography phantom, which can all be found on our website. Of course, a windows laptop with Microsoft Excel is useful to take advantage of RaySafe View to analyze data and generate great-looking reports.

Learn more about the RaySafe X2 X-Ray Test Device today.