Calibration of medium-resolution monochrome cathode ray tube displays for the purpose of board examinations

This report discusses calibration and set-up procedures for medium-resoluti on monochrome cathode ray tubes (CRTs) taken in preparation of the oral por tion of the board examination of the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The board examinations took place in more than 100 rooms of a hotel. There was one display-station (a computer and the associated CRT display) in each of the hotel rooms used for the examinations. The examinations covered the ra diologic specialties cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, va scular, pediatric, and genitourinary. The software used for set-up end cali bration was the VeriLUM 4.0 package from Image Smiths in Germantown, MD. Th e set-up included setting minimum luminance and maximum luminance, as well as positioning of the CRT in each examination room with respect to reflecti ons of roomlights. The calibration for the grey scale rendition was done me eting the Digital Imaging and communication in Medicine (DICOM) 14 Standard Display Function. We describe these procedures, and present the calibratio n data in tables and graphs, listing initial values of minimum luminance, m aximum luminance, and grey scale rendition (DICOM 14 standard display funct ion). Changes of these parameters over the duration of the examination were observed and recorded on 11 monitors in a particular room. These changes s trongly suggest that all calibrated CRTs be monitored over the duration of the examination. In addition, other CRT performance data affecting image qu ality such as spatial resolution should be included in set-up and image qua lity-control procedures. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.