AN AUTOMATED FILM MASKING AND ILLUMINATING SYSTEM VERSUS CONVENTIONALRADIOGRAPHIC VIEWING EQUIPMENT - A COMPARISON OF OBSERVER PERFORMANCE

Rationale and Objectives. We compared observer performance in the inte rpretation of radiographs using an automated film masking and illumina ting system (AFIS) with performance using standard radiographic viewin g equipment. Methods. Observer performance was compared in three ways. In the first method, a radiographic pattern of vertical bars of varyi ng conspicuity was shown to Il subjects with use of the two different viewing systems. Subjects were not allowed to use a brightlight or han dle the film, We then performed a receiver operating characteristic (R OC) study to compare observer accuracy in detection of low-contrast ta rgets. ROC methodology was also used in the third portion of our study to compare the accuracy of interpretation of cervical spine radiograp hs by six radiologists. In both the second and third portions of our s tudy, film handling and use of a brightlight was permitted to simulate clinical circumstances. Results. As a group, observers performed sign ificantly better using the AFIS in the first (P < .001) and second (P < .05) portions of our study. There was no significant difference in p erformance in interpretation of cervical spine radiographs between the two viewing systems. Conclusion. The AFIS enhanced low-contrast perce ption, but further research is needed to determine its ideal clinical applications.