Remote interpretation of chest roentgenograms.
A series of 98 chest films was interpreted by two physicians on the basis of monitor display of the transmitted television signal representing the roentgenographic image. The transmission path was 14 miles long, and included one active repeater station. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to compare interpretations rendered on television view of the image with classic, direct view interpretations of the same films. Performance in these two viewing modes was found to be quite similar. When films containing only hazy densities lacking internal structure or sharp margins, were removed from the sample, interpretation of the remaining films was essentially identical via the two modes. Since hazy densities are visible on retrospective examination, interpretation of roentgenograms at a distance via television appears to be a feasible route for delivery of radiologic services.
D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011336:Probability; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013686:Telemetry; D013690:Television; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging