ALERIO Smart series from Iatome Electric (I) Pvt. Ltd.

Mobile X-rays have become an essential X-ray imaging tool. It takes the role of a supplementary X-ray imaging device in institutions. Many smaller centers even use the mobile X-ray as their primary equipment as it may not be feasible to install a larger fixed X-ray unit. The 100mA Mobile units are popular in India since these are available from multiple vendors, and are economical. Clever engineering and advances in technology have improved the features, usability, and imaging capabilities of these equipment. A well-manufactured and certified unit can certainly deliver high-quality images for most types of imaging techniques and patient anatomy.

Being a mobile X-ray unit, there are specific requirements that need to be essential features of such a product. X-radiation safety is of primary concern. Since these equipment are not bound within the safe walls of an X-ray room, the leakage radiation needs to be as low as possible. Mobility and maneuverability need to be high as they need to shuttle among various wards in a hospital. Similarly, a small footprint or size is essential for movement within the narrow corridors or lifts and for a clutter-free parking when not in use. Yet another critical requirement is power supply. These units need to be able to operate from a regular wall outlet, without disturbing other equipment connected to that electrical network. There can be cases when junior technicians, not familiar with the exposure settings, will use these machines – a simple control and anatomy based pre-programmed control panel is a must.

ALERIO Smart series mobile X-rays are uniquely lightweight and slim in design. The powerful high-frequency generator can pump out X-rays required for most imaging techniques. Coupled with a DR detector, these machines are a formidable tool delivering excellent images. Special attention is given to ensuring good shielding of the tubehead and the collimator to prevent unwanted leakage of X-ray.

The ALERIO mobile X-ray units are light weight and are small in size for the power they deliver. This has to do with the advanced high-frequency digital inverter-based design.

The unit has an in-built mains voltage stabilizer and surge suppressor, which can tackle most mains voltage fluctuations. Variants are available with tube voltage in the range of 40–120 kV. The primary focal spot is 1.8 mm. It needs to be stressed here that the tube focal spot determines a lot on the image quality – a smaller focal spot is always better for the image but limits the power of the X-ray unit.

The Smart 4200 variant has a dual focal spot with 0.6 mm size for pediatric and lower-dose imaging techniques that require sharper images. The DX variant has provisions for a lockable DR panel box and for lockable mounting a laptop to integrate with a wireless DR panel of the customer’s choice. There is even a mains plug outlet on the unit for charging the laptop. The Smart series comes with LED collimator bulb that has long life and high brightness.

Any commercially available X-ray machine is tightly regulated by various standards for safety and function. The ALERIO Smart series has all the required safety and regulatory certifications. With reference to after-sales support and service, these machines come with warranty and are available for sale only in locations where the company has an after-sales and service arrangement.

The ALERIO Smart series is not revolutionary in terms of the principles of usage. However, it certainly is the next generation in design and features of the quintessential 100mA mobile X-ray.