Digital radiographic imaging

The concept of a filmless radiology department as part of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is now possible with the advent of digital or computed radiography, and the first filmless children’s hospital is now operational at the New Children’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Computed radiography involves radiographs being taken using reusable photostimulable phosphor plates instead of conventional film. These plates become digitised and the corresponding radiographic image can be instantly and simultaneously accessible from television monitors situated anywhere in the hospital.

From the radiologist’s viewpoint computed radiography has several advantages. As images are stored on optical disk, there should be no possibility of a film being lost. Digital radiographs can have improved image quality and contain more diagnostic information compared with conventional films because the window width and level can be altered to highlight different tissues, such as soft tissues or bones, in the same way as a conventional computed tomogram image. Edge enhancement is also possible and is a useful technique for optimally visualising catheter tips; this is an important part of radiograph reporting on the special care and intensive therapy units. …