There is a simple way to tell the difference between a roll of medical imagining paper and a roll of thermal paper. Since thermal paper has the ink already applied to the surface of the paper, just mixed with a acid and a chemical compound to keep it invisible, you don't have to load the paper into a machine and run it through the printer. All you need to do is apply a heat source to the paper to allow the surface treatment to melt and the acid and dye to mix over the heat, creating the distinctive black ink marking. Hold the paper above a disposable lighter or other heat source. The surface of the paper should appear shiny, almost waxy, for just a split second and then it becomes dark. Don't apply the flame too close to the paper or all you are seeing is a burnt area. Regular paper, either on a roll or in sheets, will not have any discoloration over a clean burning flame. Does thermal paper resist fading for long periods of time? Thermal paper, with its chemical reaction that causes the image, is much more resistant to fading than regular printer ink or data produced through a laser printer. However, even thermal paper will fade over time. Most manufacturers indicate that thermal paper will resist fading for up to seven years, most indicating between five to seven years before noticeable fading occurs. There are some storage strategies that help reduce fading. The most obvious one is to keep the thermal printer image or data out of continuous or direct light. A piece of printed thermal paper will retain the image or data much longer in a file than sitting on a desk or in a binder that is opened continually. In addition ensuring that the paper remains dry and out of humid and moist environments also helps prevent fading and aging. What is the most economical way to buy thermal paper in both sheets and rolls? Buying in larger quantities and buying cases instead of individual rolls or packages of thermal paper is always more economical. In addition keeping an eye out for discounts and reductions on various websites can help to cut your paper supply costs. Many of the bigger medical suppliers that offer thermal paper have a huge variety of packages, case sizes and even number of sheets per unit, allowing you to compare between different companies. Just make sure that you check the fine print and know the specific size and amount of the package, unit or case you are ordering. Different brands and manufacturers of the thermal printers also may require specific brands of paper, which can make purchasing generic types of paper out of the question. Always carefully check the equipment to ensure the paper is compatible.

Although at first glance at the two types of paper medical imaging paper and photograph quality printer paper may appear to be very much the same. This is particularly true with very high quality photograph printer paper. However, the exact manufacturing of the paper is very different, providing a specific definition and clarity to the medical imaging paper that is more in keeping with the image of an x-ray or a brain scan than seen in a photograph. Medical imaging paper that prints in both color and gray scale actually has the same film or coating that an x-ray has, although it is fused to the paper base differently than a traditional x-ray film. This is actually a polyester coating that ensures the image is crisp, exact and clear and also very durable and long lasting. Medical imaging paper can print their digital images or video in true color. For these printers the ribbons are already developed with the color imbedded in the ribbon. The entire ribbon cartridge or cassette is simply replaced when needed, not requirement to constantly keep adding the various colors of ink as a standard printer uses. What is high definition and glossy medical imaging paper and how is it better than standard medical imaging paper? Most people are comfortable with the term high definition, but how much does it really impact a medical video or digital imagine. The truth is that high definition medical imaging paper makes a huge difference in both color as well as gray scale imagines. They are much clearer and even the tiniest detail is clearly defined in the image. There is no fuzziness or blurring of the lines of the image, everything is in complete clarity and crispness. Glossy paper also adds to the development of the image and can also help to extend the life of the document once it is printed. Glossy paper tends to be much more durable than standard medical imaging paper. How do I know what type of medical imaging paper fits my printer? This question is one that gets asked very often, especially when people order medical imaging paper only to find it jams up in the feeder or the tray or doesn't seem to print out with the specific imaging printer in use. It is important to order medical imaging paper based on the specific model and style of printer you are using. Some printers use roll imaging paper, often these are ultrasounds, while others use standard sheet paper like a traditional desktop printer. The good news is that most standard models of roll or sheet medical image printers can work very with generic types of medical imaging paper. It is still important to buy a generic paper that is very high quality and that is indicated for use with your specific printer. If you aren't sure or the model number and manufacturer isn't listed on the generic paper specifications, call the customer service line and ask for verification. This will save you the cost of shipping it back if it doesn't work.