GE Healthcare

Alpha RT
High value
mammography
Focus on image quality

GE Healthcare’s focus on mammography begins Synchro Bucky

with a process of analyzing and understanding for gridline free images
the key elements involved in breastcare, starting
As exposure times become shorter and shorter
with clinicians and patients, and then focusing
with the development of faster film-screen
on the human touch that is required in the
combinations, it is essential to provide good
delicate field of breast imaging.
bucky grid movement to ensure totally artifact
free images. The Alpha RT exposure is
Alpha RT, one of the most compact mammography
synchronized with the grid movement to
units available, is designed to enhance patient
eliminate gridlines totally. At the critical grid
friendliness, ease of use and image quality.
direction-change moment where gridlines appear
in conventional bucky’s, the Synchro Bucky
VectorPointTM Photocell interrupts the exposure momentarily, making it
– correct exposure for impossible to visualize gridlines in any image.
each patient
The unique VectorPointTM photocell with its x-y
movements will allow placement of the AEC
detector under the densest area of the breast, no
matter if it is to the left or right of the enterline.
Only GE can offer you this, and in this way can
correct optical density be chieved. This ability is
most essential in oblique views and with small
breasts where breast tissue may not extend down
to the centerline. The resulting reduced number
of retakes improves productivity, reduces dose
and makes the examination a better experience
for the patient.
Bi-Angular x-ray tube
delivers sharp images with
long lifetime
The Alpha RT’s bi-angular x-ray tube enables
precise imaging geometry for both bucky and
magnification imaging, because the large and
small focus performances are optimized
independently. The sizes of both small and large
focal spots are minimized while still enabling
high tube currents. This produces sharper
images with shorter exposure times. The adiation
output of the x-ray tube is very stable, since the
focal spots do not affect each other. To maintain
high contrast and consistent image quality
throughout years of use, the anode of the x-ray Alpha RT's AEC detector with
tube in the Alpha RT is made of niobium- 20 diodes can be placed in 8
detector locations. This allows
enhanced molybdenum. This results in a heat
the technologist to move the
resistant and durable anode with superb imaging
photocell for optimal exposure
performance. which reduces retakes.

Filter technology
for minimized patient dose
The Alpha RT is equipped with two x-ray beam
filters, one Molybdenum and one Rhodium. The
Molybdenum filter is used to provide high
contrast with average sized and small breasts.
By automatically selecting the Rhodium filter for
you, the Alpha RT’s x-ray energy is increased to
enhance penetration with dense or thick breasts.
This reduces both the glandular dose and the
exposure time. As well as automatic mode,
selection between Molybdenum and Rhodium
filter can also be done manually if required.
The well-balanced Alpha RT is the
lightest in the industry.
Ease of use

Convenience and efficiency Total exposure control

The well-balanced Alpha RT C-arm is the lightest The Alpha RT’s total exposure control system
in the industry. All C-arm controls are placed in takes care of all imaging parameters
several carefully considered positions for automatically for you, allowing you to
optimum convenience and efficiency. Controls concentrate on your patient. In Auto kV mode,
are always available right where you need them kV and mAs are selected automatically and the
irrespective of user or projection. Breast kV is automatically adjusted twice during the
compression is motorized with the possibility of exposure for the best possible image. In Semi-
manual fine tuning, allowing the ideal level of Automatic mode the user only needs to select
compression to be provided for each patient. the kV. Manual mode provides the user with the
Following exposure, compression will release freedom to choose both kV and mAs manually.
automatically, unless de-selected for biopsy Whichever mode is chosen, the Alpha RT’s safety
procedures. monitoring systems will prevent exposure if:

• the exposure time will be excessive

Simple operation
• the correct diaphragm is not installed
The Alpha RT control panel is designed to allow
the user easy control of the whole system. User • the bucky or cassette holder is not attached
intervention is seldom needed because of the correctly
sophisticated automation. However, if required, • the cassette is not in place
all exposure parameters maybe selected
• the cassette has not been changed since the
manually using the clearly marked controls and
last exposure
digital displays. Positioning displays are located
on the C-arm at eye level clearly showing all the
important parameters needed when positioning.

The positioning display shows compression thickness, Control panel is designed to allow the
compression force and C-arm angle readings. It also user easy control of the whole system.
gives the user easy access to the x-ray beam filter
selection, if not set to automatic.
Versatility meets reliability

Full range of accessories Reliability

The Alpha RT can be equipped to perform all The utilization of modern electronics and proven
possible studies from screening to diagnostic mechanics ensure the reliability of the Alpha RT.
mammography. A wide range of different paddles This results in a long and trouble-free
for spot, magnification and biopsy are available operational life, thereby maximizing your
to expand the unit to a fully diagnostic system. investment. GE Healthcare’s worldwide network
The Alpha RT is also designed to accept add-on of factory-trained technician’s will be on-hand
stereotactic system for biopsy and lesion wherever you are, to provide fast and efficient
marking. after-sales service.

Compact size Staying organized

for easy installation
The Alpha storage system organizes and
The world today is one of advanced micro- protects the paddles and accessories. The
electronics, allowing smaller and smaller state padded shelving system protects your in
of the art devices to be realized. The Alpha RT vestment in accessories. By having a place for
is no exception and draws upon GE’s core everything, time is not wasted searching for
competence in compact high frequency x-ray what is needed.
generator design. The result is one of the most
compact mammography units available, requiring
no external x-ray generator or bulky control
desk. This makes the Alpha RT suitable for
installation in the most confined spaces and also
ideal for mobile installations, where space is
always at a premium.

Installation is fast and straightforward - simply

a matter of choosing a suitable location,
positioning the Alpha RT stand and connecting
to the mains power supply. The space
requirement is minimal, as little as 5 x 5ft
(1.5 x 1.5 m). Adding to the flexibility of the
installation, the Alpha RT can be installed
Alpha Store is the best place for your
freestanding on a base plate or secured to the
Alpha RT accessories. It keeps your paddles,
wall and operation of the system can be buckies and diaphragms safe and makes
performed either from the left or right hand-side them readily available when you need them.
of the unit.
The Alpha RT is one of the most compact
mammography units available. This makes the
Alpha RT suitable for installation in the most
confined spaces.
 For more than 100 years, healthcare
providers worldwide have relied on
GE Healthcare for medical technology,
services and productivity solutions.

So no matter what challenges your

healthcare system faces - you can always
count on GE to help you deliver the highest
quality healthcare.

For details, please contact your

GE representative today.

CE marked according to Medical Device Directive (MDD) 93/42/EEC. Electrical safety according
to IEC 60601-1. Manufacturing complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

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shown herein, or discontinue the product described at any time without notice or obligation. P.O. Box 414, Milwaukee. Wisconsin 53201 U.S.A
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