Computed Radiography System Research Articles

Is digital mammography reducing radiation doses to women?

This study aims to investigate the impact of national quality programs in mammography and technological advances in digital mammography units on the radiation doses delivered to women in Brazil. Radiation dose assessments in mammography units were conducted through a mail-based dosimetric system. For each unit of facilities that applied to one of the two national quality programs, a postal dosimetric system is dispatched, comprising an optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSL) attached to the surface of a 4.0 cm thick polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom, simulating a compressed breast with 4.5 cm thickness. Testing instructions to expose the dosimetric phantom for assessing the mean glandular dose (MGD) are provided. Between 2012 and 2023, the programs evaluated the MGD in 1,687 mammography units of computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DR) technologies from 1,399 facilities located in all Brazilian regions. A total of 1,660 (70.5%) evaluations were carried out on CR technology mammography units and 696 (29.5%) on DR units, totaling 2,356 MGD evaluations. The overall average MGD was 1.60 ± 0.80 mGy, with 1.68 ± 0.83 mGy for CR technology and 1.42 ± 0.68 mGy for DR technology. A comparison of average MGD between the periods 2012 - 2018 and from 2019 onwards shows a dose reduction of 8.6% for CR systems and of 26.0% for DR systems (p = 0.000). As CR systems use analog mammography units, which did not undergo technological advances between the two periods, the reduction in doses observed is due to the actions of national quality certification programs and by using image plates for dual-sided reading or needle-based image plates. The reduction observed in DR systems is due to both national quality programs and technological advances in mammography units, especially the use of radiation beams generated by X-ray tubes with tungsten targets.

Patient dose and associated exposure parameters in pelvic x-ray examinations: dependence on radiographic system.

Technological differences between computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems can influence patient doses and exposure parameters in pelvic x-ray examinations. The presence of radiosensitive organs in the pelvic region underscores the need to optimize these parameters for both CR and DR systems. This prospective study aimed to compare the patient doses and exposure parameters for adult patients undergoing pelvic x-ray examinations using CR and DR systems, based on data from Sri Lanka. The study included data from 56 x-ray examinations, with 25 using CR and 31 using DR. Patient demographic characteristics and exposure parameters (kVp: kilovoltage peak, mAs: tube current-exposure time product) were recorded, and patient doses were measured in terms of the kerma-area product (PKA) using a PKA meter. Despite similar mean weight and body mass index (BMI), the CR systems showed significantly higher mean kVp (7.4%), mAs (16.4%), and PKA (29.7%) than the DR systems (CR - kVp: 73.2, mAs: 37.8, PKA: 2.29Gy cm2; DR - kVp: 67.8, mAs: 31.6, PKA: 1.61Gy cm2). The Mann-Whitney U test revealed statistically significant differences in PKA and kVp between the CR and DR systems (p < 0.05). Furthermore, even with lower patient weight and BMI, the mean mAs and PKA in this study were substantially higher than those reported in the literature for both CR and DR systems. These results suggest the need to optimize current mAs settings for the studied hospitals and introduce radiographic system-specific exposure parameters and reference dose levels for pelvic x-ray examinations in order to enhance patient protection.

Pulmonary abnormality screening on chest x-rays from different machine specifications: a generalized AI-based image manipulation pipeline

BackgroundChest x-ray is commonly used for pulmonary abnormality screening. However, since the image characteristics of x-rays highly depend on the machine specifications, an artificial intelligence (AI) model developed for specific equipment usually fails when clinically applied to various machines. To overcome this problem, we propose an image manipulation pipeline.MethodsA total of 15,010 chest x-rays from systems with different generators/detectors were retrospectively collected from five institutions from May 2020 to February 2021. We developed an AI model to classify pulmonary abnormalities using x-rays from a single system. Then, we externally tested its performance on chest x-rays from various machine specifications. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of AI models developed using conventional image processing pipelines (histogram equalization [HE], contrast-limited histogram equalization [CLAHE], and unsharp masking [UM] with common data augmentations) with that of the proposed manipulation pipeline (XM-pipeline).ResultsThe XM-pipeline model showed the highest performance for all the datasets of different machine specifications, such as chest x-rays acquired from a computed radiography system (n = 356, AUC 0.944 for XM-pipeline versus 0.917 for HE, 0.705 for CLAHE, 0.544 for UM, ple 0.001, for all) and from a mobile x-ray generator (n = 204, AUC 0.949 for XM-pipeline versus 0.933 for HE, p = 0.042, 0.932 for CLAHE (p = 0.009), 0.925 for UM (p = 0.001).ConclusionsApplying the XM-pipeline to AI training increased the diagnostic performance of the AI model on the chest x-rays of different machine configurations.Relevance statementThe proposed training pipeline would successfully promote a wide application of the AI model for abnormality screening when chest x-rays are acquired using various x-ray machines.Key points• AI models developed using x-rays of a specific machine suffer from generalization.• We proposed a new image processing pipeline to address the generalization problem.• AI models were tested using multicenter external x-ray datasets of various machines.• AI with our pipeline achieved the highest diagnostic performance than conventional methods.Graphical

Comparison of x-ray spectra and mean glandular dose estimations in computed radiography systems for mammography: Simulations versus measurements

To determine the dose given to patients in mammography, it is necessary to evaluate the mean glandular dose (MGD) in the computed radiography (CR) system with a solid-state detector, utilizing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantoms and spacers to model breast thickness. In the present study, irradiations were performed in a mammograph with a solid-state detector, and simulations were carried out using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended (MCNPX) code to give the MGD and spectra for the same conditions. In the mammograph, the glandular dose values were calculated for three anode/filter combinations: molybdenum/molybdenum (Mo/Mo), molybdenum/rhodium (Mo/Rh), and rhodium/rhodium (Rh/Rh). Through acquisitions from kerma values, the spectra were plotted. The MGD results obtained from the mammograph for Mo/Mo, Mo/Rh, and Rh/Rh were below the reported acceptable levels, while the spectra were mostly in accordance with the literature.

Radiation Dose Reduction in Different Digital Radiography Systems: Impact on Assessment of Defined Bony Structures in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Three different digital detector systems were used to study the effect of a defined radiation dose reduction on the image quality of digital radiographs in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). A series of radiographs of seven bearded-dragon cadavers with a body mass ranging from 132 g to 499 g were taken in dorsoventral projection. The digital systems employed included two computed radiography systems (CR) (one system with a needle-based and one with a powdered-based scintillator) and one direct radiography system (DR). Three levels of the detector dose were selected: A standard dose (defined based on the recommended exposure value of the CRP, D/100%), a half dose (D/50%), and a quarter dose (D/25%). Four image criteria and one overall assessment were defined for each of four anatomic skeletal regions (femur, rib, vertebra, and phalanx) and evaluated blinded by four veterinarians using a predefined scoring system. The results were assessed for differences between reviewers (interobserver variability), radiography systems, and dosage settings (intersystem variability). The comparison of the ratings was based on visual grading characteristic (VGC) analysis. Dose reduction led to significantly lower scores in all criteria by every reviewer, indicating a linear impairment of image quality in different skeletal structures in bearded dragons. Scores did not differ significantly between the different systems used, indicating no advantage in using a computed or direct radiography system to evaluate skeletal structures in bearded dragons. The correlation was significant (p ≤ 0.05) for interobserver variability in 100% of the cases, with correlation coefficients between 0.50 and 0.59. While demonstrating the efficacy of the use of digital radiography in bearded dragons and the similar quality in using different computed or direct radiography systems, this study also highlights the importance of the appropriate level of detector dose and demonstrates the limits of post-processing algorithm to compensate for insufficient radiation doses in bearded dragons.

Proposed Institutional Diagnostic Reference Levels in Computed and Direct Digital Radiography Examinations in Two Teaching Hospitals

Background: The detectors of both computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DR) have a wide dynamic range that could tolerate high values of exposure factors without an adverse effect on image quality. Therefore, this study aims to assess patient radiation dose and proposes institutional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for two teaching hospitals in Ghana.Materials and Methods: CR and DR systems were utilized in this study from two teaching hospitals. The CR system was manufactured by Philips Medical Systems DMC GmbH, while the DR system was manufactured by General Electric. The entrance skin doses (ESDs) were calculated using the standard equation and the tube output measurements. Free-in-air kerma (μGy) was measured using a calibrated radiation dosimeter. The proposed institutional DRLs were estimated using 75&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; percentiles values of the estimated ESDs for nine radiographic projections.Results and Discussion: The calculated DRLs were 0.4, 1.6, 3.4, 0.5, 0.4, 1.1, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.7 mGy for chest posteroanterior (PA), lumbar spine anteroposterior (AP), lumbar spine lateral (LAT), cervical spine AP, cervical spine LAT, skull PA, pelvis AP, and abdomen AP, respectively in CR system. In the DR system, the values were 0.3, 1.6, 3.1, 0.4, 0.3, 0.7, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.3 for chest PA, lumbar spine AP, lumbar spine LAT, cervical spine AP, cervical spine LAT, skull PA, pelvis AP, and abdomen AP, respectively.Conclusion: Institutional DRLs in nine radiographic projections have been proposed for two teaching hospitals in Ghana for the first time. The proposed DRLs will serve as baseline data for establishing local DRLs in the hospitals and will be a valuable tool in optimizing patient doses.

X-ray-acquired imaging and detection radiography system using digital radiography with a DSLR digital camera: preliminary results of a pilot study

This study aimed to develop an X-ray digital radiography (DR) imaging system with a low radiation dose and superior resolution compared to those of the existing computed radiography (CR) and DR image acquisition systems using a complementary metal–oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor-type digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that is capable of adjusting sensitivity. The X-ray system consists of an X-ray generator, a DSLR camera, and a power cable. The X-ray irradiated from the X-ray imaging device was detected on a fluorescence plate located on the upper part of the body, and an image was captured by a digital camera installed below the fluorescence plate. After converting the image into an electric signal inside the pixel, the data are output through a cable to the computer, which is a data-processing device installed outside the imaging system. The spatial resolution using the resolution chart was 3.19 (LP/mm). The plot profile obtained using the ImageJ program showed a spatial resolution difference according to the spatial frequency. In addition, by exposing X-rays to the resolution chart, a plot profile of 1.0–4.86 (LP/mm) was drawn for the surface profile and resolution according to spatial frequency. Using an aluminum step wedge, images from 3.0–18 mm and plot profiles were shown. In the phantom, the hand muscle signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were 13.42 was 7.2, and the bone SNR and CNR were 10.86 and 7.2%, respectively. In conclusion, the X-ray image acquisition system using a CMOS sensor-type DSLR camera has the advantage of acquiring images in real-time with low radiation dose, resolution, and contrast, so it applies to X-ray examination in clinical practice, such as the existing CR and DR image acquisition systems. DSLR image acquisition systems can be deployed in developing countries and provided through teleradiology and telemedicine.

Patient's effective dose and performance assessment of computed radiography systems

Computed tomography is widely used for planar imaging. Previous studies showed that CR systems involve higher patient radiation doses compared to digital systems. Therefore, assessing the patient's dose and CR system performance is necessary to ensure that patients received minimal dose with the highest possible image quality. The study was performed at three medical diagnostic centers in Sudan: Medical Corps Hospital (MCH), Advance Diagnostic Center (ADC), and Advance Medical Center (AMC).The following tools were used in this study: Tape measure, Adhesive tape, 1.5 mm copper filtration (>10 × 10 cm), TO 20 threshold contrast test object, Resolution test object (e.g., Huttner 18), MI geometry test object or lead ruler, Contact mish, Piranha (semiconductor detector), Small lead or copper block (∼5 × 5 cm), and Steel ruler, to do a different type of tests (Dark Noise, Erasure cycle efficiency, Sensitivity Index calibration, Sensitivity Index consistency, Uniformity, Scaling errors, Blurring, Limiting spatial Resolution, Threshold, and Laser beam Function. Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK (mGy) was calculated from patient exposure parameters using DosCal software for three imaging modalities. A total of 199 patients were examined (112 chest X rays, 77 lumbar spine). The mean and standard deviation (sd) for patients ESAK (mGy) were 2.56 ± 0.1 mGy and 1.6 mGy for the Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections for the lumbar spine, respectively. The mean and sd for the patient's chest doses were 0.1 ± 0.01 for the chest X-ray procedures. The three medical diagnostic centers' CR system performance was evaluated and found that all of the three centers have good CR system functions. All the centers satisfy all the criteria of acceptable visual tests. CR's image quality and sensitivity were evaluated, and the CR image is good because it has good contrast and resolution. All the CR system available in the medical centers and upgraded from old X-ray systems to new systems, has been found to work well. The patient's doses were comparable for the chest X-ray procedures, while patients' doses from the lumbar spine showed variation up to 2 folds due to the variation in patients' weight and X-ray machine setting. Patients dose optimization is recommended to ensure the patients received a minimal dose while obtaining the diagnostic findings.

Biometric Data of Adults’ Aortic Knob Diameter in Posteroanterior Chest Radiograph, Correlation to Age and Normative Heart Diameter: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The aortic knob (AK) is an essential feature on a chest x-ray. It could be the first sign of a cardiovascular problem if there is any deformation or enlargement of the knob. This study aimed to measure the normal AK diameter (AKD) on a posteroanterior chest radiograph in healthy adult Sudanese. Methods and Results: The study was conducted in the Department of Radiology and Imaging in Ribat Hospital (Sudan) between Jun 2019 and Jan 2020. A total of 113 participants of both sexes (45.1% males and 54.9% females) with a normal chest x-ray and no history of diabetes, blood hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or skeletal abnormality were selected. Participants' age fluctuated from 18 to 75 years. The measurements (AK, heart diameter [HD], cardiothoracic ratio [CTR]) were carried out with the measuring tools available on the software of the computed radiography system. The mean AKD was 2.8±0.8 cm (2.94±0.8 cm in males and 2.51±0.77 cm in females, P=0.005)). The mean HD was 9.22±2.8 cm (9.8±3.3 cm in males and 8.7±0.2.1 cm in females, P=0.005). The mean CTR was estimated as 46.6±7.7% with a significant difference between males and females and significantly correlated with HD and BMI (P&lt;0.05). The AKD increased by 0.019 cm with an increase of one year of age (AKD = 0.0199(age)+1.9469), and there was a strong positive correlation between age and AKD (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The study found a significant positive correlation between age and AKD. Increased heart sizes increase AKD. The AKD value is greater in males than in females.

Radiostereometric analysis: comparison of radiation dose and precision in digital and computed radiography.

Radiostereometric Analysis (RSA) is used to measure fixation of joint prosthesis. This study compared radiation dose and image quality of a digital radiography (DR) RSA system and a computed radiography (CR) RSA system in a clinical setting. RSA recordings of 24 hips and shoulders were analyzed. We compared two systems: (1) Arcoma T0 with ST-VI image plates and Profect CR-IR 363 reader to (2) AdoraRSA with CXDI-70C wireless DR detectors in a clinical uniplanar RSA set-up with a ± 20 degrees tube angulation and 35cm × 43cm detectors. Effective dose was calculated using dedicated software. Image quality was evaluated using calibration errors as calculated by the RSA software. The mean dose for hips was 0.14 (SD 0.04)mSv in the CR system and 0.05 (SD 0.02)mSv in the DR system. The mean dose for shoulders was 0.16 (SD 0.07)mSv in the CR system and 0.09 (SD 0.03)mSv in the DR system. Radiation dose was 64% (p < 0.001) and 43% (p = 0.03) lower in the DR system compared with the CR system for hip and shoulder RSA, respectively. Image quality was better for the DR system with 60-80% less calibration errors compared to the CR system. Owing to highly efficient detectors and added filtration at the x-ray tubes, the DR system considerably reduced radiation dose compared with the CR system without compromising image quality. Based on the findings in this study, we recommend replacing CR RSA systems with DR RSA systems. Patients were selected from clinical studies performed on the two systems and approved by the local ethics committee [20060165, M-20100112, M-20070082, M-20110224, and 20070258] and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT00408096, NCT01289834, NCT00913679, NCT02311179, and NCT00679120].

Pengaruh Faktor Eksposi Terhadap Kualitas Citra Radiografi Thorax Dan Ossa Cruris Pada Pesawat Radiografi Umum Di Rumah Sakit Umum Bina Kasih Medan

Background: Exposition factors are factors that determine and influence the quality and quantity of x-ray radiation in making radiographic images. In a computed radiography system, images can be optimized before printing, thereby minimizing repetitions caused by inaccuracies. Research Purposes: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exposure factors on Thorax examination and Os examination. Cruris. Method: This research uses a qualitative method with an observational approach. Researchers collected data by conducting a study of several related literature. Data processing and analysis is carried out by making similarities and differences, conducting a study of literature sources, then analyzing the contents of these sources and concluding the results obtained in order to answer the problem in the problem formulation. Research Results: The Thorax examination used a tube voltage of 64 kV. the tube current is 200 mA, and the exposure time is 0.10 seconds, while in the Os examination. Cruris uses a tube voltage of 50 kV, tube current of 100 mA, and exposure time of 0.12 seconds. Conclusion: Differences in the influence of exposure factors on the Thorax and Os. Cruris is the tube current and second (time), while kV is adjusted to the thickness of the object (atomic number).

A Study on Image Interpretations of Computed Radiography for Iron Samples Using Image Evaluation Techniques

In the non-destructive radiographic testing methods used for specimens with cultural heritage, analog film radiography is being replaced with digital radiography by the introduction of an imaging plate computed radiography system. Adoption of the computed radiography system has helped standardize digital image quality.&lt;/br&gt;This study analyzed the X-ray transmission characteristics and evaluated image quality according to image developing time for iron, the most important metal in cultural heritage. Computed radiography images were acquired. The transmittance of the images was determined based on Gray Scale and Duplex-wire Image Quality Indicator data. In addition, the change in images with the image developing time was compared and analyzed using the Structural Similarity Index Measure, mean square error, and peak signal-to-noise ratio.

Characterization of digital systems used in medical X-ray imaging

The physical characteristics of two computed radiography (CR) systems, Carestream EHR-M3 and Carestream GP-2 (used in mammography and general radiography, respectively), were assessed at the standard beam conditions RQA-M2 and RQA-5, in the ranges of 9.5–800 μGy and 2.5–70 μGy, respectively. Objective criteria such as response function, modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were employed for this evaluation. A careful image system noise analysis through component decomposition was performed in order to determine the quantum limited exposure range for each system. Both CR systems showed a logarithmic response in the tested air kerma range (R2 > 0.99). Spatial frequencies for 50% and 10% MTF were 2.0 mm−1 and 4.9 mm−1 for EHR-M3 mammography system and 1.1 mm−1 and 3.5 mm−1 for general radiography system GP-2. The mammography system EHR-M3 was quantum limited for the entire air kerma range evaluated, while GP-2 general radiography system was quantum noise limited for a range of 2.5–30 μGy. NNPS increased as kerma decreased for both systems. DQE increased with decreasing kerma for both systems. A quantitative technical characterization of digital systems was achieved for a variety of air kerma values, in the mammography and general radiography energy ranges.

A simple method to predict postoperative relative first metatarsal length after proximal closing-wedge osteotomy

Optimal relative first metatarsal length is one of the keys to achieving sufficient results after osteotomy of the first metatarsal. An excessive shortening of the first metatarsal was associated with postoperative metatarsalgia, whereas a long first metatarsal has been implicated as a cause of hallux valgus. To adjust the relative first metatarsal length to the optimal range during surgery, a predictive tool would be beneficial for preoperative planning. However, there is no established tool for predicting relative first metatarsal length. Here, we report a simple method to predict postoperative relative first metatarsal length after proximal rotational closing-wedge osteotomy for rheumatoid forefoot deformities. Two board-certified orthopedic surgeons performed relative first metatarsal length prediction retrospectively on a computed radiography system in nine consecutive cases. Most of them underwent simultaneous modified shortening oblique osteotomy of the second metatarsal (7/9 cases). The interclass correlation coefficients of intraobserver and interobserver reliability for relative first metatarsal length prediction were 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. The mean absolute error on relative first metatarsal length prediction was 1.5 mm at 3-month postoperatively in the same case series. The average time required to perform the relative first metatarsal length prediction was 44.1 s (standard deviation 9.0). Predicting relative first metatarsal length preoperatively in a simple manner, which takes less than a minute to complete, has the potential to improve the surgical outcome of rheumatoid forefoot surgery.

OD96 - Dose tracking solution for computed radiography systems: an application in neonatal intensive care unit

OD96 - Dose tracking solution for computed radiography systems: an application in neonatal intensive care unit

PATIENT DOSE ASSESSMENT AND OPTIMISATION OF PELVIC RADIOGRAPHY WITH COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEMS.

Digital radiography systems can reduce radiation dose, this capability was harnessed to explore dose and image quality (IQ) optimisation strategies. Entrance surface dose (ESD), effective dose (ED) and organ doses were determined by the indirect method for patients undergoing pelvic anteroposterior X-ray examinations with computed radiography systems. The IQ of patients' radiographs was assessed in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). An anthropomorphic phantom was exposed with varying tube potential (kVp), tube current-time product (mAs), and focus-to-detector distance (FDD) to determine phantom-entrance dose for the optimisation studies. SNR of each phantom radiograph was determined. Patients' mean ESD of 2.38±0.60mGy, ED of 0.25±0.07mSv and SNR of 8.5±2.2 were obtained. After optimisation, entrance dose was reduced by 29.2% with 5cm increment in FDD, and 5 kVp reduction in tube potential. kVp and/or mAs reduction with an increment in FDD reduced entrance dose without adversely compromising radiographic-IQ.

A comparison of erect weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing radiography of the cervical spine in non-trauma patients

Introduction: Various positioning techniques are utilized to enhance the visualization of lower cervical vertebrae on lateral radiographs. However, the effectiveness of these techniques still remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the weight-bearing (WB) technique in visualizing lower cervical vertebrae and cervicothoracic junction (C7-T1) on standing lateral cervical radiographs of adult non-trauma patients. The study was conducted using both computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems.Methods: Forty-four CR (29 WB and 15 non-WB – NWB) and 61 DR (26 WB and 35 NWB) lateral C-spine radiographs were prospectively evaluated to assess the visible number of cervical vertebral bodies and C7-T1 junction. The instructions given by the radiographer to the patient for the imaging procedure were also assessed on the Likert scale (very good, good, fair, poor, very poor).Results: There was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the visualization of the number of vertebral bodies between the two techniques of WB and NWB for CR or DR. Further, no significant relationship (p &gt; 0.05) was observed between the WB technique and the visualization of C7-T1 junction in DR systems. However, a significant difference was identified for CR (p = 0.012). The instruction given to the patient significantly correlated with the visibility of the lower C-spine region within each group of WB and NWB in both imaging systems.Conclusions: The visibility of the number of vertebral bodies in the lower C-spine region in either CR or DR systems did not demonstrate any enhancement with the WB technique. Regardless of the imaging system or techniques used, adequate instructions given to the patient before and during the imaging procedure of C-spine lateral radiography demonstrated a significant improvement in visualizing the lower C-spine region. In this preliminary study, the application of erect WB radiography technique in evaluating the lower cervical region of adult non-trauma patients gives limited advantage.

Knowledge and practice of quality assurance programme of X ray equipment among radiographers in Kano Metropolis

The main goal of quality assurance programme is to consistently provide diagnostic information at the lowest possible cost, and at the least possible exposure of the patient to ionizing radiation. The study aims at evaluating the knowledge and practice of ray equipment among radiographers in Kano metropolis. The study design was prospective and cross sectional conducted among radiographers in the Kano metropolis from April 2019 to October 2019. Non-probability sampling meth used in the selection of the respondents. An ethical clearance to conduct the study was obtained from the Human Research and Ethics Committee of the Kano State Ministry of Health, and informed consent was obtained from every selected respondent. A s questionnaire was designed and used an instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by experienced colleagues, using a pilot study the reliability was rested and the chronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was found to be 0.7 one questionnaires were administered to the consented radiographers in Kano metropolis. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Out of the 41 (100%) administered questionnaires 36 (87%) were returned, and all the returned naires were properly filled. Only 3 (8.3%) known the meaning of quality assurance programme, only 12 (33.3%) know the components of quality assurance programme and only 6 (16.7%) know the frequency of computed radiography system average score for knowledge among radiographers in Kano metropolis is 44.9% and that of practice is 47.9%. The study concludes that radiographers in Kano metropolis have poor knowledge and pactice of quality assurance programme.

The Profile of Delay Erasure Time and Imaging Plate Sizes to Dark Noise Evaluation in Carestream Computed Radiography System

Increasing delay time between erasure and image acquisition can lead to the appearance of dark noise on the Computed Radiography (CR) imaging plate (IP). The purpose of this study is to investigate the time delay of the last erasure that can be affected in dark noise appearance of four sizes Carestream CR’s imaging plate in Radiology Laboratory of Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang. This study used a quantitative experimental method. Each size of IP was exposed with one of Hand, Cranium, Chest, and Abdomen anthropomorphic phantom, read on CR, and left for 0 hours, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours to produce blank images. The blank images after post-processing were evaluated with qualitative and quantitative criteria. Qualitative criteria produced uniformity images, without ghost images artifact. While quantitative criteria were determined by the exposure index value, pixel value, and pixel value standard deviation calculated by ImageJ. The results of this study showed that all of the IPs did not pass the criteria. Dark noise appeared in 0 hours after the last erasure shown from un-uniformity images, ghost images artifact, PV, and PVSD were overpassed the standard values. Dark noise has increased the time delay between last erasure and subsequent use. The imaging plate must be erased before it acquires the next images.

Genesis of Computed Radiography System: What is Born Between Imagination and Creativity

In 1982, the Osaka General Medical Center made a modernization plan and started construction of a new hospital. The new radiology department was studied from the layout of the rooms to the newly introduced equipment and data storage system. Just around that time (1983), Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) was developed.Using this FCR, we took on the challenge of the world's first full digitalization of a general radiography system.At that time, we took the following policies to improve the system.(1) To digitize all general radiography.(2) To review the radiography process, improve the equipment, and build a system to link the equipment together.(3) Change the selection of radiography equipment to one that is compatible with the digital system (small focus: magnified radiography).(4) Convert all ideas, including image processing, to digital systems.These attempts were successful and became the basis for the current field of general radiography.