A COMPARISON OF IMAGE QUALITY AND DOSE RE QUIREMENTS OF A NEW CONVENTIONAL FILM-SCREEN SYSTEM FOR SKELETAL RADIOGRAPHY

Purpose: This paper compares a new film-screen system (FSS) called INS IGHT Skeletal Imaging System with the previously used Lanex/T-MAT G FS S. Material and methods: Using a Bronder phantom, measurements were ma de of dose, resolution and contrast. 135 skeletal phantom images were assessed in order of quality by six observers. Results: Comparable hig h resolution film-screen combinations (FSC) showed similar geometric r esolution. Comparing high intensifying screens, the new INSIGHT Skelet al Regular FSS showed better resolution than the Lanex medium FSC. Dos e reduction for the INSIGHT Skeletal Imaging FSS was 29-56%. The new F SS showed image quality similar to high resolution screens but was sig nificantly better when using high intensifying screens. Conclusion: Th e new INSIGHT Skeletal Imaging System can replace the Lanex/T-MAT G FF S by retaining quality but reducing radiation dose by 29-56%. Using th e new high intensifying FSC, images showed in addition improved film q uality.