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. 2003 Apr 30;16(1):70–76. doi: 10.1007/s10278-002-6015-8

Table 3.

Ten Year Projection and Cost Comparison Between a Film Based Operation and a Digital Based Operation

Film Based Operation In Thousands Digital Based Operation In Thousands
Film 7,000 Replace conventional
H2O for the processors   chest to digital chest
  (60 M gallon @ 10.0/1000 gallon) 600   Six units @ 500,000 3,000
FTE (34) 7,000 Image memory 1,000
Processor 1,000 TV monitors 1000 unit 1,000
Film storage rental 500 Terminals 200 unit 2,000
Matrix camera purchase 500 Analog/Digital storage 1,000
Space (equivalent cost) 2,350 Communication network 1,000
Physicians time lost ($10/hr) 1,500
Equipment (x-ray) 2,000 Sub Total 9,000
Maintenance 10%/year for ten   years of equipment cost (9,000)   We take half of this value. 4,500
FTE (15) 3,000
Sub Total 16,500
10% of film based operation** 2,250
Total 22,450 Total 18,750

*Excluding digital based equipment purchase.

**We believe films are still necessary in a digital based operation.

We anticipate the FTE qualifications will be the same in both operations.