(FPS)
6 December 2007
"A worldwide first and groundbreaking initiative will enable the Forensic
Pathology Services (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.
Enquiries:
Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
Tel: 021 483 3235
E-mail: fsteyn@pgwc.gov.za
Herman van der Westhuizen
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Health
Tel: 021 483 2627
Cell: 082 772 9161
E-mail: Hvdwest@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
6 December 2007
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
