A Low-Cost High-Quality Mobile X-ray Film Digitiser with Storage Facilities

Abstract

Digitisation of X-ray films reduces need for storage space and facilitates remote diagnosis, personal collections, teaching and publication. We describe a system that provides high-quality digitisation of X-ray films, especially suitable for low resource countries. The system comprises of a bespoke mobile cabinet with flat top-surface and lockable wheels, an X-ray viewing box, a small tripod, a good-quality digital camera and a computer with simple photo editing software. Compared to commercial digitisers, this system is much cheaper, uses local materials, provides employment for local people, is more physically and electrically robust and durable. It provides storage space, requires minimal training, and the components can be used for other purposes.