title: Optimization of standard patient radiographic images for chest, skull and pelvis exams in conventional x-ray equipment.
abstract: Optimized radiographic techniques for clinical images of chest, skull and pelvis using conventional single-phase, three-phase and high-frequency x-ray units for a standard patient have been developed. Optimization of image contrast and optical density was obtained by using a homogeneous phantom (PEP) and an Anderson Rando anthropomorphic phantom. Image quality was evaluated by nine radiologists in independent analyses, leading to the choice of the optimized technique. A course of action to implement and validate these techniques in other radiographic systems has also been introduced. A realistic-analytic phantom (RAP) was constructed to certify the validation process. The optimized radiographic technique was implemented in the routine of our home hospital radiodiagnostic routine, enabling a reduction in patient doses around 25, 14 and 72%, respectively, for chest, skull and pelvis exams when compared with the previously used techniques. In addition, a corresponding reduction in the x-ray tube load of 68, 14 and 62% for the respective mentioned exams has been observed. In conclusion, implemented optimal techniques can lead to a reduction in the rate of film rejection, thus contributing to a better risk-benefit relationship for the patient and cost-benefit for the radiodiagnostic facility.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Campus de Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Pina
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ghilardi Netto
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Trad
authors.forename: M A C
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Brochi
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods; D012306:Risk; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014965:X-Rays