What is the difference between various imaging desks? And how have they evolved to become innovative technology today?
My name is Mike Graham, and I'm the Director of Key Healthcare Accounts with Xybix. I’d like to take you on a journey of ergonomic imaging furniture over the last 2 ½ decades. The evolution can somewhat be compared to the telephone. Starting with the rotary desk phone and evolving into the latest and greatest iPhone.
THE CARL’S TABLE LAUNCH AND DEPARTURE
I began my healthcare sales career in 1997 with a company called Anthro, as their Healthcare Sales Manager. The owners wanted me to find a new furniture profit center in the healthcare arena. After some digging I found that PACS “Picture Archive Communication System” was a new field within Radiology Departments. Instead of the old analog films radiologists hung on their alternators to view the images in a standing position, they could now sit at a desk and view the images digitally. However, that was leading to muscular skeletal injuries from sitting for long periods of time. As a result, Anthro designed a height adjustable desk, which eventually in around 2002 evolved into the Carl’s Table named after the inventor from Sweden. Anthro also had a more basic imaging desk call Steve’s Station for those with a smaller budget.
Below is a picture of me sitting at the first Carl’s Table:
The first decade into the 2000’s, the Carl’s Table was the latest and greatest next to sliced bread. It was a big hit at RSNA and most radiologists today would still recognize the name “Carl’s Table”.
In 2015 it was my pleasure to accept a new position at a high technology-driven company called Xybix Systems. Soon after my move to Xybix, Anthro was sold to Ergotron and the Carl’s Table was no longer a priority of sale. With Anthro no longer in business, both Carl’s Table and Steve’s Station were soon discontinued.
A company called Double Black acquired the remaining inventory of Carl’s Table and Steve’s Station parts and components. They resold them for a while, however, they recently announced they will no longer be available. Instead, they suggest you contact their sales specialists to inquire about their newer imaging desks. A quick look at the Double Black website showcases a series of imaging desks similar to the basic Carl’s Table and Steve’s Stations I was selling back in 2005.
HOW XYBIX IMAGING DESK COMPARES
In today’s age of advanced technology, the innovation of Carl’s table in 2002 is no longer innovative. Think of the rotary phone: old technology. Today, everyone wants the latest smartphone; or if you are a radiologist the newest imaging desk tech on the market.
Xybix focuses its development of ergonomic imaging desks around the user; for health, productivity, and comfort. Our newest creation, the AXYS control system, allows users to adjust lighting, desk heights, and heating/cooling with a single click in the software.
COMPARING CARL’S TABLE TO XYBIX IMAGING DESKS
ANSI-HFEF 100 guidelines are the ergonomic authority for the optimum standards for ergonomic “sit-to-stand” imaging desks of which Carl’s Table and Steve’s Station do not meet; however, Xybix imaging desks with AXYS meet and in some cases exceed the standards set by ANSI-HFES 100.
Below are the main standards an imaging desk needs to meet ANSI-HFES 100 standards:
Now let’s talk a little about some of the features and services Xybix Systems imaging desks have that the Carl’s Table, Steve’s Station and Double Black’s latest and greatest don’t even come close to having:
Now let’s look at pictures of a typical Xybix Imaging Desk, vs Carl’s Table, Steve’s Station, Double Black’s latest models:
1. A Xybix Systems Imaging Desk with AXYS
2. Carl's Table
3. Steve's Station
4. The Double Black Phoenix II Imaging Desk
In regards to pricing of the desks, we can find pricing details at:
You be the judge. You can purchase a desk with turn-of-the-century technology or you can select the type of technology that we've come to expect in 2023.
Thanks for reading – feel free to reach out to me with any comments or questions!