Portable flat-panel detector for low-dose imaging in a pediatric intensive care unit: comparison with an asymmetric film-screen system.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a portable indirect flat-panel detector for low-dose imaging as compared with an asymmetric film-screen system in a pediatric intensive care unit.


METHODS
A total of 120 neonates underwent chest radiographs using a portable flat-panel detector (digital speed 800) and an asymmetric film-screen system (400 speed). Four readers evaluated the detection of 11 anatomic and 5 pathologic landmarks and 4 support devices. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated analysis of variance. The level of statistical significance was P = 0.05.


RESULTS
The detection of 4 anatomic/4 pathologic landmarks and 2 support devices was significantly better using the flat-panel detector as compared with the asymmetric film-screen system (P < 0.05). Another 8 anatomic and one pathologic landmarks were detected equally well or slightly better with the flat-panel detector (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The portable flat-panel detector offers the potential of a 50% dose reduction with equal or significantly better detection of clinically important structures.
Rapp-Bernhardt
Ulrike
U
Department of Clinical Radiology, Section of Pediatric Radiology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany. bernhardt@uni-muenster.de
Roehl
Friedrich-Wilhelm
FW
Esseling
Rainer
R
Lenzen
Horst
H
Schiborr
Manfred
M
Theobald-Hormann
Iris
I
Heindel
Walter
W
Bernhardt
Thomas M
TM
D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D015588:Observer Variation; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens