GE Healthcare

Alpha RT
High value
mammography

Focus on image quality

GE Healthcares focus on mammography begins

with a process of analyzing and understanding
the key elements involved in breastcare, starting
with clinicians and patients, and then focusing
on the human touch that is required in the
delicate field of breast imaging.
Alpha RT, one of the most compact mammography
units available, is designed to enhance patient
friendliness, ease of use and image quality.

VectorPointTM Photocell
correct exposure for
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.

Synchro Bucky
for gridline free images
As exposure times become shorter and shorter
with the development of faster film-screen
combinations, it is essential to provide good
bucky grid movement to ensure totally artifact
free images. The Alpha RT exposure is
synchronized with the grid movement to
eliminate gridlines totally. At the critical grid
direction-change moment where gridlines appear
in conventional buckys, the Synchro Bucky
interrupts the exposure momentarily, making it
impossible to visualize gridlines in any image.

Bi-Angular x-ray tube

delivers sharp images with
long lifetime
The Alpha RTs 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
tube in the Alpha RT is made of niobiumenhanced molybdenum. This results in a heat
resistant and durable anode with superb imaging
performance.

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 RTs 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.

Alpha RT's AEC detector with

20 diodes can be placed in 8
detector locations. This allows
the technologist to move the
photocell for optimal exposure
which reduces retakes.

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

in the industry. All C-arm controls are placed in
several carefully considered positions for
optimum convenience and efficiency. Controls
are always available right where you need them
irrespective of user or projection. Breast
compression is motorized with the possibility of
manual fine tuning, allowing the ideal level of
compression to be provided for each patient.
Following exposure, compression will release
automatically, unless de-selected for biopsy
procedures.

The Alpha RTs total exposure control system

takes care of all imaging parameters
automatically for you, allowing you to
concentrate on your patient. In Auto kV mode,
kV and mAs are selected automatically and the
kV is automatically adjusted twice during the
exposure for the best possible image. In SemiAutomatic mode the user only needs to select
the kV. Manual mode provides the user with the
freedom to choose both kV and mAs manually.
Whichever mode is chosen, the Alpha RTs safety
monitoring systems will prevent exposure if:

Simple operation

the exposure time will be excessive

The Alpha RT control panel is designed to allow

the user easy control of the whole system. User
intervention is seldom needed because of the
sophisticated automation. However, if required,
all exposure parameters maybe selected
manually using the clearly marked controls and
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,

compression force and C-arm angle readings. It also
gives the user easy access to the x-ray beam filter
selection, if not set to automatic.

the correct diaphragm is not installed

the bucky or cassette holder is not attached
correctly
the cassette is not in place
the cassette has not been changed since the
last exposure

Control panel is designed to allow the

user easy control of the whole system.

Versatility meets reliability

Full range of accessories

Reliability

The Alpha RT can be equipped to perform all

possible studies from screening to diagnostic
mammography. A wide range of different paddles
for spot, magnification and biopsy are available
to expand the unit to a fully diagnostic system.
The Alpha RT is also designed to accept add-on
stereotactic system for biopsy and lesion
marking.

The utilization of modern electronics and proven

mechanics ensure the reliability of the Alpha RT.
This results in a long and trouble-free
operational life, thereby maximizing your
investment. GE Healthcares worldwide network
of factory-trained technicians will be on-hand
wherever you are, to provide fast and efficient
after-sales service.

Compact size
for easy installation

Staying organized

The world today is one of advanced microelectronics, allowing smaller and smaller state
of the art devices to be realized. The Alpha RT
is no exception and draws upon GEs core
competence in compact high frequency x-ray
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
freestanding on a base plate or secured to the
wall and operation of the system can be
performed either from the left or right hand-side
of the unit.

The Alpha storage system organizes and

protects the paddles and accessories. The
padded shelving system protects your in
vestment in accessories. By having a place for
everything, time is not wasted searching for
what is needed.

Alpha Store is the best place for your

Alpha RT accessories. It keeps your paddles,
buckies and diaphragms safe and makes
them readily available when you need them.

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.

General Electric Company reserves the right to make changes in specifications and features
shown herein, or discontinue the product described at any time without notice or obligation.
Contact your GE Representative for the most current information.
2004 General Electric Company
GE Medical Systems, a General Electric company, going to market as GE Healthcare.

03-8899 03/04 Printed in USA

Internet - gemedical.com
GE Healthcare
P.O. Box 414, Milwaukee. Wisconsin 53201 U.S.A
GE Healthcare - Europe, Fax 33-1-30-70-94-35
Paris, France
GE Healthcare - Asia:
Tokyo, Japan - Fax: +81-425-85-5490
Hong Kong - Fax: +852-2559-3588

I.I. code 70471-3

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.