Lodox Statscan Machines for the Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) | Western Cape Government

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Lodox Statscan Machines for the Forensic Pathology Services (FPS)

5 December 2007
"A worldwide first and groundbreaking initiative will enable the FPS laboratories at Salt River and Tygerberg to drastically cut the amount of time spent on autopsies with the installation of the Lodox Statscan machines," Minister Uys said at the commissioning of the machines today.

The two Lodox Statscan machines cost R5.4 million in total and form part of the Provincial Department of Health's R161 million budget for new equipment in this financial year.

"The timing for this new equipment is just right, as the festive season is upon us during which the FPS laboratories are kept busier than usual as a result of more road accidents and violence," says Uys.

The Lodox Statscan machines are low-dosage digital radiography equipment designed to specifically meet the needs of forensic pathology as well as emergency centres. The machines are able to provide scans of both bone and soft tissue, useful in the diagnosis of a wide range of traumatic injuries. Full-body x-rays can be completed in 13 seconds, whilst non-specialised personnel are now able to perform procedures rapidly at a much-reduced risk of radiation exposure. It is particularly useful for detecting bullets, shrapnel, fractures and foreign objects that through other procedures may remain undetected.

A two-year study conducted at the trauma unit at Groote Schuur Hospital found that the Statscan showed that medical staff members were exposed to significantly lower radiation doses compared to conventional x-ray devices. The images are digital, so they can be transferred across a computer network, rotated and manipulated without loss in quality. There is also no need for x-ray film or cartridges, thereby dramatically reducing operating costs.

Due to the fact that the body can be scanned and the image displayed within one minute, the Lodox Statscan will bring about less invasive work required on the body as the location of foreign objects, fractures and shrapnel would be expedited. Vital evidence, previously undetected will assist with criminal proceedings and in some instances assist with the identification of the deceased.

Uys said that the availability of this new technology and equipment will improve the quality of the service.


Issued by:

The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health

Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
021 483 3235
Email: fsteyn@pgwc.gov.za

Herman van der Westhuizen
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Health
Tel: 021 483 2627
Cell: 082 772 9161
Email: Hvdwest@pgwc.gov.za

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