DIGITAL IMAGING
Introduction
Film/screen imaging in radiography is gradually being replaced by digital imaging. There are many advantages to digital imaging; the workflow should be faster, and it allows image processing to optimize the clinical information from an image.
• increased latitude and dynamic range;
• acquisition and display are separate processes;
• images can be accessed simultaneously at any workstation;
• viewing stations can be set up in any location;
• ability to use digital image archives rather than film libraries;
• images will generally be quicker to retrieve and less likely to be lost;
• ability to post-process images to aid visualization of anatomy and pathology;
• availability of soft-copy reporting;
• no manual handling of cassettes for direct digital radiography (DDR) systems;
• potential patient dose reduction;
• potential lower running costs , providing only soft-copy reporting is used;
• no handling of processing chemicals.
CR is used in all areas where film/ screen systems are currently used, including mammography. DDR can be used in general radiography and mobile radiography. DDR is very popular in small-field mammography and is being introduced into full-field
mammography. DDR detectors are now being used instead of image intensifiers in fluoroscopy.
Advantages of digital systems
Digital imaging exhibits a number of advantages when compared with conventional film/screen imaging:
• acquisition and display are separate processes;
• images can be accessed simultaneously at any workstation;
• viewing stations can be set up in any location;
• ability to use digital image archives rather than film libraries;
• images will generally be quicker to retrieve and less likely to be lost;
• ability to post-process images to aid visualization of anatomy and pathology;
• availability of soft-copy reporting;
• no manual handling of cassettes for direct digital radiography (DDR) systems;
• potential patient dose reduction;
• potential lower running costs , providing only soft-copy reporting is used;
• no handling of processing chemicals.
Uses
mammography. DDR detectors are now being used instead of image intensifiers in fluoroscopy.