Kodak

Kodak: Health in pictures

Kodak's central role in the development of the medical imaging industry began shortly after Wilhelm Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895. In 1896, Kodak launched the first X-ray capture medium, photographic paper. By 1914, the company had two X-ray experts, a figure that had risen to 26 by 1929.

As the company grew, Kodak adapted its technology to meet the needs of healthcare, developing specific films for various medical applications. During the Second World War, for example, films were designed to detect radiation exposure in atomic bomb workers. Specialized films were then created for cardiology, dentistry, mammography and oncology.

Innovations continually improved the quality and speed of X-rays. In 1956, the KODAK X-OMAT processor produced X-rays in six minutes, then in 90 seconds a decade later. In 1998, the acquisition of Imation's medical imaging business enabled Kodak to integrate dry-processed films, printing images from digital sources such as CT and MRI.

Kodak then developed Computed Radiography (CR), Digital Radiography (DR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) to manage digital medical images. In 2007, Kodak sold its Healthcare group to Onex Corporation to focus on other imaging activities.