COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY:

FLAT-PANEL DIGITAL
RADIOGRAPHY

Table of Contents
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Limitations of Computed Radiography
4.3 What is Flat-Panel Digital Radiography?
INTRODUCTION

Fundamental Steps of Computed Radiography (CR) Imaging System :

1. The CR imaging plate (IP) is exposed to xrays, after which it is placed into the CR image reader for signal extraction.
The CR imaging plate (IP) works like a reusable “digital film” that captures the xray image. When a patient undergoes xray
examination, the xrays pass through their body and hit the imaging plate inside a special cassette. Different parts of the body
absorb xrays differently, which helps create the image. Now, after the exposure, the imaging plate contains an invisible image
that is stored in the special material of the plate called photo-stimulable phosphor (PSP). However, this image can’t be seen yet
so the plate needs to be placed into a CR image reader, a machine that reads and extracts the hidden image by using a laser.

2. A computer processes the signal and displays a digital image on a viewing monitor for diagnostic interpretation and
possibly image post-processing. (The physical basis for the CR image formation is the IP detector that is made of a photo-
stimulable phosphor (PSP) such as barium fluorohalide )
Once the imaging plate has been scanned by the CR reader, the light signal collected is turned into a digital signal. This signal
is then sent to a computer, which processes the data and creates a digital xray image. This image appears on a monitor where
doctors, especially radiologists, can examine it to help make a diagnosis.
The photo-stimulable phosphor (PSP), specifically barium fluorohalide can store the xray energy and later release it as light
when scanned with a laser. This whole process is what makes computed radiography (CR) work without using traditional film.
3. After X-ray exposure of the IP PSP, a latent image is formed on the IP.
After the patient undergoes an xray exam, the imaging plate (IP) inside the CR cassette captures the X-rays,
the energy from the xrays is absorbed by special crystals in the plate.
This energy creates a hidden (or “latent”) image on the plate.

4. To render this latent image visible, the IP is taken to the image reader that uses a laser beam to extract
image information signal. This signal is subsequently digitized and sent to a computer for pre-processing;
the computer-generated image is then displayed on a monitor for viewing and interpretation.
This process allows hidden xray images stored on a special plate to be read by a laser, turned into digital data
by a computer, and then shown on a screen so radiologist can see and understand what is inside the human
body.

 This digital method is fast, does not need film, and allows health-allied professionals to quickly check
results, make diagnoses, or send the image to other locations.
L I MI TAT I O N S O F C O MP U T E D R A D I O G R A P H Y

1. The xray detection efficiency of CR is inefficient, and this affects image quality and dose. The detection efficiency is also
inferior to F-S radiography.
o Computed Radiography (CR) uses a special plate to capture xrays, but it's not very good at detecting all the xrays that pass
through the body. This is called low detection efficiency. Because of this, CR images might not be as clear, and sometimes a
higher xray dose is needed to get a good picture. In comparison, Film-Screen (F-S) Radiography is better at capturing xrays
(it has higher detection efficiency), so it often produces sharper images with less radiation.

2. The spatial resolution of CR is less than F-S radiography. While the approximate spatial resolution for CR is about 6 line
pairs/mm (lp/mm), it is about 8 Ip/mm for F-S radiography.
o Computed Radiography (CR) can show around 6 line pairs per millimeter, while Film-Screen (F-S) radiography can show
about 8, meaning F-S can display finer image details and sharper edges than CR.

3. Computed Radiography IPs can easily be damaged. They can be dropped accidentally (during portable radiography or
transported to the IP reader) are susceptible to scratches and cracking. They can also be easily damaged when they are in the
image reader.
o CR imaging plates (IPs) are fragile and can be easily damaged by drops, scratches, or during handling and processing, which
can affect image quality.
4. Computed Radiography IPs must be carried physically by the technologist to a separate image processor
(image reader) for image data extraction.
o In Computed Radiography (CR), the technologist has to physically take the imaging plate (IP) to a separate
machine called an image reader to process and view the image, which takes more time and effort compared to
digital systems.

 The above limitations are some of the important considerations that provide the motivation for the
development of other digital radiography systems. These systems are popularly referred to as digital
radiography (DR) systems, using flat-panel detector technology. In this book the term flat-panel digital
radiography (FPDR) will be used.

Because of the limitations of CR, like lower image quality, slower processing, and fragile imaging plates, the
new systems called Digital Radiography (DR) were developed. These use flat-panel detectors that capture
images instantly and with better quality.
F L AT- PA N E L D IGI TA L RA D I OGRAP H Y

• Flat-Panel Digital Radiography (FPDR)

o It is an advanced form of digital xray imaging that uses a flat-panel detector to directly capture and
convert xray signals into digital images. It provides faster image acquisition, higher image quality, and
improved efficiency compared to older systems like computed radiography (CR).
o Flat-panel digital radiography detectors were introduced as early as 1995 for use in radiographic
imaging. It has two systems, the amorphous silicon and the other was an amorphous selenium detector.

• Earlier Digital Detector Systems

o CCD chip slot-scan digital detector (1990)
o Selenium drum digital radiography system (1994)
o The selenium drum technology was developed as a dedicated system specifically for imaging the chest.
The unit was called the Thoravision (Philips Medical Systems, The Netherlands).
• Selenium Drum Technology
o Uses a photoconductor (selenium) to produce an electrostatic image.
o Image is scanned, digitized, and processed for display.

• Image Quality
o Selenium drum images have been shown to be superior to film-screen radiography and
computed radiography (CR) images.
THANK YOU, CO-LEARNERS!

 As a reminder, Flat-Panel Digital Radiography (FPDR) is the

future of xray imaging, offering faster, clearer images with
lower radiation. As future radiologic technologists, it's
important to stay updated with these advancements to provide
the best care and improve workflow in the healthcare field.