Resolution requirements for monitor viewing of digital flat-panel detector radiographs: a contrast detail analysis

Abstract

With the introduction of digital flat-panel detector systems into clinical practice, the still unresolved question of resolution requirements for picture archiving communication system (PACS) workstation monitors has gained new momentum. This contrast detail analysis was thus performed to define the differences in observer performance in the detection of small low-contrast objects on clinical 1K and 2K monitor workstations. Images of the CDRAD 2.0 phantom were acquired at varying exposures on an indirect-type digital flat-panel detector. Three observers evaluated a total of 15 images each with respect to the threshold contrast for each detail size. The numbers of correctly identified objects were determined for all image subsets. No significant difference in the correct detection ratio was detected among the observers; however, the difference between the two types of workstations (1K vs 2K monitors) despite less than 3% was significant at a 95% confidence level. Slight but statistically significant differences exist in the detection of low-contrast nodular details visualized on 1K-and 2K-monitor workstations. Further work is needed to see if this result holds true also for comparison of clinical flat-panel detector images and may, for example, exert an influence on the diagnostic accuracy of chest X-ray readings.

Image Display

“…Recommendations for workstation monitors are based on experiences reported by medical doctors. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Monitor quality is evaluated using three parameters: resolution, luminance, and contrast ratio. Monitor recommendations vary based on the importance of the viewing workstation and the modalities displayed.…”

“…25 Several studies have supported the latter statement particularly when the zoom function is used on lower resolution monitors, 8-10 however, some evidence exists that higher resolution monitors are better for the differentiation of low contrast details. 4,13 Although 5 MP monitors are currently available, they are considerably more expensive and their use is generally restricted to mammography.…”

Principles of digital x‐ray imaging: Computed tomography and digital radiography

“…Equine practitioners should also be aware that current recommendations made for physicians include medical grade, greyscale monitors used in controlled ambient lighting with minimised external distractions. High ambient lighting and poor quality monitors can decrease diagnostic accuracy (Peer et al 2003;Doyle et al 2005).…”

Display Quality of Different Monitors in Feline Digital Radiography

“…Gray scale cathode‐ray tube (CRT) monitors and, later on, gray scale liquid crystal displays (LCD) became the display media of choice for medical images. Differences in monitor performance can influence the display quality and consequently the overall final diagnosis 7,8 …”