AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE CONTROL IN FLUOROSCOPIC IMAGING

All fluoroscopic imaging systems, both conventional and digital, now i ncorporate methods for some form of automated control of the exposure used to produce an image. These automated facilities can vary greatly in their design and operation. It is felt that the design criteria for such devices seldom embody optimisation in the sense implied by the A LARA Principle and there is little or no quality assurance performed o n such devices. This paper details protocols established by the author s to assess the performance of a number of AEC systems, including thos e controlling TV, cine, digital, 100 mm and spot film. Assessments inc lude measuring the typical exposures used and measures of the image qu ality produced. Finally the importance of user training where such sys tems are employed will be highlighted.