Digital Radiography

Question 1

What are the advantages of DR/CR?

Answer 1

Greater tolerance.

See wide range of tissues.

Ability to computer-manipulate images.

Space saver.

Question 2

What equipment is required in Computer Radiography?

Answer 2

Imaging plate.
Cassette.
CR system - computer screen.
Reader - cassette goes in here.

Question 3

How does computed radiography work?

Answer 3

During exposure, the photostimulable phosphor within the imaging plate stores energy from the x-ray photons in a semi-stable (electron traps) - creating a latent image.

The cassette is labelled electronically with the patients details before being inserted into the reader/digitiser.

Question 4

What are the advantages of computed radiography?

Answer 4

CR plate lowers radiation dose.
Shorter exposure times.
Reduced safety area.
More forgiving than film.
Fewer repeat exposures.
Faster processing time.

Question 5

What is computed radiography?

Answer 5

Image stored on radiation sensitive phosphorous plate.

Converted into light through laser excitation in the CR reader.

Produces a digital image on a picture archiving and communication system (PACs).

Can review and analyse immediately.