Full-Body X-Ray Imaging to Facilitate Triage: A Potential Aid in High-Volume Emergency Departments

Abstract

The levels of traumatic injury seen in South African emergency departments (EDs) are epidemic. This is coupled with a severe lack of resources and adequately trained emergency staff. The Lodox Statscan (LS) is an X-ray scanner capable of producing rapid, low-dose, and full-body X-ray images. In this paper, a new trauma protocol—the Johannesburg trauma protocol—that implements LS scanning on entry to the ED as a triage tool is reported. A case study illustrating the use of LS to triage 63 patients in a single Saturday shift at a level 1 Trauma Centre is also presented. Because of the ability to rapidly and safely provide X-ray imaging information to support clinical decision making, the LS could be a useful tool to aid in resource allocation to improve treatment of the high levels of trauma patients that present to South African EDs daily.

A comparison of computed tomography, X‐ray and Lodox® scans in assessing pediatric skull fractures using piglets

“…Various imaging tools have been employed in order to accurately detect pediatric skull fractures, including computed tomography (CT) scans, X‐rays and, particularly in South Africa, Lodox ® scans. Lodox ® scanners emit very low doses of radiation, produce full‐body X‐ray images in a matter of seconds, and are very cost‐effective, making them advantageous over CTs and conventional X‐rays [11]. They are used widely in South African mortuaries; in fact, they are often the only radiological modality available in most Forensic Pathology Services.…”

“…Lodox ® scanners emit very low doses of radiation, produce fullbody X-ray images in a matter of seconds, and are very cost-effective, making them advantageous over CTs and conventional X-rays [11]. They are used widely in South African mortuaries; in fact, they are often the only radiological modality available in most Forensic Pathology Services.…”

Diagnostic Accuracy of Full-Body Linear X-Ray Scanning in Multiple Trauma Patients in Comparison to Computed Tomography

“…In situations with mass casualties, LS enhances the capacity of a trauma unit [18]. Moreover, LS has been proven to have diagnostic value in poorly equipped hospitals [18]. Abb.…”

Benefits of Utilizing Full-Body Lodox Digital Radiography in Forensic Pathology

“…The technology was developed to scan the entire body of mineworkers with sufficient resolution and speed but with a low X-ray dosage to prevent harm during daily screenings (2). In recent years, acute care settings such as emergency departments have begun implementing Lodox imaging to triage trauma patients (3–15). Additional applications in the emergency room have included arteriography (16), ventriculoperitoneal shunt visualization (17, 18), detection of urinary stones (19) or foreign bodies (20, 21), and pediatric imaging (22–24).…”