An Overview of Factors Affecting Exposure Level in Digital Detector Systems and their Relevance in Constructing Exposure Tables in Equine Digital Radiography.
Abstract: The aim of this review is to describe the steps of constructing exposure tables for use of digital detector systems (DRx) in equine practice. Introductory, selected underlying technical aspects of digital radiography are illustrated. Unlike screen-film radiography (SFR), DRx have a uniform signal response of the detector over a large dose range. This enables generation of diagnostic images from exposures that were previously nondiagnostic on SFR, thus reducing retakes. However, with decreasing detector entrance dose, image noise increasingly hampers the image quality. Conversely, unlike the blackening observed on SFR, overexposures can go visibly undetected by the observer. In DRx the numeric exposure indicator value is the only dose-control tool. In digital radiography the challenge is to reduce the dose and reduce the radiation risk to staff whilst maintaining diagnostic image quality. We provide a stepwise method of developing exposure tables as tools for controlling exposure levels. The identified kVp - mAs combinations in the table are derived from the predefined exposure indicator values of the detector system. Further recommendations are given as to how the exposure indicator can be integrated into routine workflow for rechecking the reliability of the formerly identified settings and how these tables might serve a basis for further reduction of the exposure level. Detector quantum efficiency (DQE) is an important parameter of assessing performance of an imaging system. Detectors with higher DQE can generate diagnostic images with a lower dose, thus having a greater potential for dose reduction than detectors with low DQE.
Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2023-01-06 PubMed ID: 36621702DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104206Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study focuses on creating exposure tables for digital detector systems (DRx) used in equine practice, with the goal of reducing radiation risk while maintaining image quality. It discusses the implications of DRx’s uniform signal response compared to screen-film radiography (SFR), and the role of detector quantum efficiency.
Underlying Technical Aspects of Digital Radiography
- Unlike screen-film radiography (SFR) where image quality depends on a specific radiation dose, digital radiography systems (DRx) have a much larger usable dose range.
- In DRx, even low dose exposure can generate diagnostic images. However, at lower doses, increasing image noise can hinder image quality.
- Interestingly in DRx, overexposure isn’t visibly apparent as it would be in SFR where films blacken with increased exposure.
- DRx uses a numeric exposure indicator value as a control tool for radiation dose.
Developing Exposure Tables For DRx
- The primary goal is to minimize radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic image quality.
- The researchers provide a structured method to create exposure tables. These tables contain combinations of kVp (kilovolt peak) and mAs (milliamperes-second) that correlate with specific, predefined exposure indicator values in the digital detector system.
- These exposure tables act as a guide to help practitioners adjust and control exposure levels accordingly.
Integrating Exposure Indicator Into Routine Workflow
- The exposure indicator acts as a check and balance system, validating the reliability of the exposure settings employed.
- By routinely scrutinizing the indicator, practitioners can ensure that they are meeting their targeted radiation exposure levels effectively.
- The use of these tables can contribute to a progressive reduction in radiation exposure over time.
Role of Detector Quantum Efficiency (DQE)
- DQE measures the overall performance of an imaging system.
- Detectors with higher DQE can produce diagnostic images at lower doses, and therefore offer a greater opportunity for dose reduction compared to detectors with low DQE.
Cite This Article
APA
Ludewig E, Rowan C, Schieder K, Frank B.
(2023).
An Overview of Factors Affecting Exposure Level in Digital Detector Systems and their Relevance in Constructing Exposure Tables in Equine Digital Radiography.
J Equine Vet Sci, 121, 104206.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104206 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
- Reproducibility of Results
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
