Benefits of using a photostimulable phosphor plate protective device

Abstract

Objectives: To develop and test a protective device (PD) to increase the resistance of photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plate to compressive load, and assess the resulting image quality. Methods: Two prototypes, polyvinylchloride sheets of 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm each, were developed for PSP plate size 2. The resistance to compressive load was tested using eight new PSPs divided into four test groups: (1) PSP, (2) PSP and paperboard protector, (3) PSP and 0.3 mm PD, and (4) PSP and 0.7 mm PD. The resulting images were analyzed by three oral radiologists, based on the consensus for image artifacts. Additionally, the objective image quality test was performed with four new PSPs, using an 8-step wedge aluminum scale. The mean gray values and standard deviation were measured in a total of 240 images, and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: Artifacts were seen in the PSP control group starting at 40 n, and at 150 n, 175 n and 300 n in 0.3 mm PD, paperboard protector and 0.7 mm PD, respectively. Although there was no statistical difference among groups, there were differences between exposure times (0.06–0.25 s, 0.06–0.40 s, and 0.10–0.40 s). Scanning resolution of 20 lp/mm showed higher mean gray value than 25 and 40 lp/mm (p < 0.05) Conclusion: The developed PDs improved the PSP resistance to compressive forces, with low interference on the pixel gray values, regardless of exposure time and spatial resolution. Nevertheless, the 0.7 mm PD could withstand the maximum compressive load.

Could the radiographic image quality be affected by the excessive use of the photostimulable phosphor plate?

“…In dentistry, digital systems are divided in photostimulable phosphor plates (PSP) and solid-sensors 1 . PSP receptors are distinguished from solid sensors by the thin structure, flexibility, and absence of an electrical cord 1 - 4 .…”

“…In dentistry, digital systems are divided in photostimulable phosphor plates (PSP) and solid-sensors 1 . PSP receptors are distinguished from solid sensors by the thin structure, flexibility, and absence of an electrical cord 1 - 4 . Other advantages of PSP receptors are the sizes available (similar to conventional films) and the wider dynamic range 5 , 6 .…”

Effect of enveloping and disinfection methods on artefact formation on enveloped PSP plate images

“…The damage occurs because of physical (mechanical) or chemical factors that the plate is subjected to. It was reported, when a force greater than 40 n was applied to the enveloped plate the artefacts were observed on the images [6]. In another study, it was found Fig.…”

“…The damage occurs because of physical (mechanical) or chemical factors that the plate is subjected to. It was reported, when a force greater than 40 n was applied to the enveloped plate the artefacts were observed on the images [ 6 ]. In another study, it was found that loading of 20 g or 50–100 g directly on the plate, depending on the plate brand, caused scratches on the sensitive surface of the plate [ 2 ].…”

“…Artefacts caused by chemical solutions such as disinfections are seen in patch-form at the borders of the images, consistent with peeling [ 34 ]. Especially in a study investigating mechanical damage, above a load application of 20 or 50–100 g according to plate brand caused visible scratches and in an another study the artefacts were observed after a 40 n force loading [ 2 , 6 ]. The cumulative damage caused by the continuous use influences their lifespan negatively [ 3 ].…”