Processor quality assurance using digital imaging.
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a computer imaging method for assessing longitudinal processor variability. A technique called adaptive histogram equalization was used to test deviation in automatic processing when a test film is compared with a time-temperature processed standard at two different kVp's and film speeds. In a 14-day study we found that the density ranges for the standard film did not change, while the density range of the automatically processed films changed by a factor of two. These results suggest that if automatic processing is to be used for films taken as part of a longitudinal study-for example, subtraction-then processor variation can potentially lead to incorrect inference of bone gain or loss.
Goren
A D
AD
State University, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, USA.
Dunn
S M
SM
Van der Stelt
P F
PF
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D006801:Humans; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000592:standards*; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000592:standards*; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000592:standards; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D014962:X-Ray Film; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens / Q000592:standards