TECHNICAL EVALUATION OF A DIGITAL CHEST RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEM THAT USES A SELENIUM DETECTOR

PURPOSE: To evaluate a digital chest radiography system that uses a se lenium detector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relative amounts of scatte red radiation in the images (scatter fractions), the effect of x-ray e xposure levels on image appearance, the potential ''throughput'' in a clinical environment, and the effects of image processing options were evaluated. RESULTS: Scatter fractions in digital images acquired with an antiscatter grid were lower in the lung region and higher in the r etrocardiac and central mediastinal regions than in conventional image s. Digital images acquired without an antiscatter grid had higher scat ter fractions in all areas. Increases in exposure intensity reduced th e appearance of noise. A new image could be acquired every 37 seconds, and a ''preview image'' appeared on the monitor after approximately 2 3 seconds. Laser-printed images were available after at least 5 minute s; the time required increased when many images were acquired in a sho rt time. CONCLUSION: The selenium-based chest radiography system allow s for rapid chest examination and excellent image quality when used wi th an antiscatter grid.