Computed radiography and film digitizer inputs to an intensive care unit teleradiology system: an image quality comparison.
OBJECTIVE
We compared computed radiography (CR) with a film digitizer as an image input device for transmitting radiographs to intensive care unit (ICU) displays.


METHODS
Limiting spatial resolution and low-contrast detectability performance were determined for a 600-speed screen-film combination and CR films. The same image data were transmitted to ICU displays directly from the CR or by digitizing the conventional film.


RESULTS
CR resolution ranged from 2.5 to 3 line pairs per millimeter (Ip/ mm) depending on cassette size. Display station resolution for the CR image data was 1.5-1.9 lp/mm, but improved resolution could be achieved using display magnification modes. Film digitization resulted in a loss of resolution. Direct transmission of CR image data to display stations gave low-contrast detectability similar to that obtained with CR film.


CONCLUSIONS
ICU teleradiology displays that use CR, rather than film digitizers, offer improved image quality and superior operational efficiency.
Huda
W
W
Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0374, USA.
Honeyman
J C
JC
Palmer
C K
CK
Frost
M M
MM
Staab
E V
EV
D007362:Intensive Care Units; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D019112:Teleradiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed