Comparison of image quality and patient dose for chest x-ray examinations on conventional and low cost computed radiography systems

PurposeThe aims of this study were to assess if clinical chest radiographs taken at two computed radiography (CR) facilities fulfill standard quality criteria on conventional display monitor and the status of patient doses.MethodsTwenty-five adult patients were x-rayed at 102–109 kVp using Fuji type C image plates and low cost Philips PCR digitizer. Another group of 25 patients were x-rayed at 120 kVp using CRMD 4.0 image plates and conventional Agfa 75 CR digitizer. All 50 radiographs were independently assessed by four radiologists on conventional display monitor (model HP M70) with image software using six standard quality criteria. Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) was determined using the measured incident air kerma values and exposure parameters.ResultsThe results show that the differences in visualization of anatomical structure in terms of image quality criteria were comparable (p > 0.05), with the exception of the visualisation of intervertebral disc spaces. However, the ESAK values for Philips PCR were higher than those for Agfa CR 75 (p < 0.001).ConclusionImages from a low cost CR system can display anatomic details comparably to conventional CR system but at the cost of higher radiation dose. Optimisation of variables that effect patient dose is desirable when using low cost CR systems.