Recognition and prevention of computed radiography image artifacts.
Initiated by complaints of image artifacts, a thorough visual and radiographic investigation of 197 Fuji, 35 Agfa, and 37 Kodak computed radiography (CR) cassettes with imaging plates (IPs) in clinical use at four radiology departments was performed. The investigation revealed that the physical deterioration of the cassettes and IPs was more extensive than previously believed. It appeared that many of the image artifacts were the direct result of premature wear of the cassettes and imaging plates. The results indicate that a quality control program for CR cassettes and IPs is essential and should include not only cleaning of the cassettes and imaging plates on a regular basis, but also visual and radiographic image inspection to limit the occurrence of image artifacts and to prolong the life cycle of the CR equipment.
Hammerstrom
Kevin
K
Radiology Administration, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1M9. kevin.hammerstrom@vch.ca
Aldrich
John
J
Alves
Len
L
Ho
Andrew
A
D016477:Artifacts; D016248:Computer Storage Devices; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D011873:Radiology Information Systems