Comparison of Human Observer Performance of Contrast-Detail Detection Across Multiple Liquid Crystal Displays

Appropriate selection of a display subsystem requires balancing the optimization of its physical parameters with clinical setting and cost. Recent advances in Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology warrant a rigorous evaluation of both the specialized and the mass market displays for clinical radiology. This article outlines step two in the evaluation of a novel 9.2 million pixel IBM AMLCD panel. Prior to these experiments, the panel was calibrated according to the DICOM Part 14 standard, using both a gray-scale and a pseudo-gray scale lookup table. The specific aim of this study is to compare human, contrast-detail perception on different computer display subsystems. The subsystems that we looked at included 3- and 5-million pixel “medical-grade” monochrome LCDs and a 9.2-million pixel color LCD. We found that the observer response was similar for these three display configurations

Overview of the radiographers’ practice in 65 healthcare centers using digital mammography systems in Portugal

Purpose: To assess current practices in digital mammography (DM) in Portuguese healthcare providers using digital systems. To investigate compliance with European standards regarding mean glandular dose and quality control practice and to identify optimisation needs. Methods: Two questionnaires, targeted at breast radiographers and chief radiographers, were designed and applied in 65 imaging departments offering DM. Questions fielded were focused on the staff profile and technical/ clinical practice. Results: Prior to starting their activity in DM, 70% (82 out of 118) of the respondents received training in DM. The practice in 29 out of 59 providers was established by the manufacturers’ recommendations for image acquisition. Variations were observed between radiographers who belong to the same provider namely the selection of exposure parameters such as the target-filter combination and automatic mode. The use of the manual exposure mode was reported for imaging breast implants (44%) and surgical specimens (22%). The main causes of repeat examinations were skin folding (21%) and absence of pectoral muscle (PM) (20%). Conclusions: The study revealed opportunities to optimise radiographers’ practice in DM regarding the selection of exposure parameters. A robust and consistent training programme in DM and established local protocols can help to reduce the variations observed and improve clinical practice