PACS in sonography: Accuracy of interpretation using film compared with monitor display

OBJECTIVE. The goal of this study was to determine the relative accuracy of interpretation of sonography when viewed on a monitor or on film. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Four radiologists twice interpreted a series of 440 sonograms using the following sequences of display formats for initial and second interpretations: film-film, film-monitor, monitor-film, and monitor- monitor. Reporting discrepancies between the initial and subsequent interpr etation were reviewed by an arbitration panel unaware of the display mode. Results were analyzed for differences in error rate attributable to film ve rsus monitor display format, chronology of interpretation, individual obser ver, and observer seniority. RESULTS. We found no statistically significant difference in the error rate for film (10.3%) versus monitor display format (14.6%) (p = .09). Likewise , we found no significant differences in the error rates attributable to ch ronology of interpretation (p = .13), individual observer (p = .54), or obs erver seniority (p = .87). CONCLUSION. Interpretative accuracy is similar whether sonograms are interp reted on a monitor or on film.