Rating the extent of surface scratches on photostimulable storage phosphor plates in a dental school environment

Sajitha M. Kalathingal, M. K. Shrout, C. Comer, C. Brady

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to subjectively quantify the degree of scratching and smudging that had taken place in the junior clinic in the 9 months following the implementation of digital radiology; (2) to compare the findings with a previously published report; and (3) to identify areas in the protocol and training that can be refined to minimize future scratching and smudging. Methods: Seven sets of blank clinical photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plates were scanned after exposing them at 65 kV and 7 mA for 0.80 s. Scanned plates were lightly wiped with a soft cloth and alcohol, repackaged in plastic sleeves, re-exposed and rescanned. The two sets of resulting images were subjectively rated independently by two investigators for artefacts and placed in five categories. Results: Of all the images, approximately 75% were rated in the top 3 categories (most readable), leaving 17% and 8% in the poor and unsatisfactory categories, respectively. Mean rated values of the two image sets (before and after wiping) were not statistically different, but ratings slightly improved after cleaning the plates. Conclusions: Wiping all plates to remove surface contamination may not always be necessary or desirable. Systems that are designed to minimize handling of the plates may help minimize scratching of them.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-183
Number of pages5
JournalDentomaxillofacial Radiology
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2010

Keywords

  • Digital images
  • Photostimulable storage plates
  • Surface scratches

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • General Dentistry

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