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

PURPOSE: To evaluate a digital chest radiography system that uses a selenium detector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relative amounts of scattered radiation in the images (scatter fractions), the effect of x-ray exposure 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 retrocardiac and central mediastinal regions than in conventional images. Digital images acquired without an antiscatter grid had higher scatter fractions in all areas. Increases in exposure intensity reduced the appearance of noise. A new image could be acquired every 37 seconds, and a ''preview image'' appeared on the monitor after approximately 23 seconds. Laser-printed images were available after at least 5 minutes; the time required increased when many images were acquired in a short time. CONCLUSION: The selenium-based chest radiography system allows for rapid chest examination and excellent image quality when used with an antiscatter grid.