Digital Radio Graphs
Digital Radio Graphs
Digital Radio Graphs
RADIOGRAPHY
Moderator:
Mr. Ram Singh (Lecturer)
Deptt. Of Radio-Diagnosis & Imaging
P.G.I.M.E.R
Presented By:
Krishna Sharma
B. Sc. Med. Tech. (X-Ray) – 3rd Year Student
Deptt. Of Radio-Diagnosis & Imaging
P.G.I.M.E.R 1
DEFINITION
:
It is defined as the image acquired from the
numeric that is discrete binary digits by
use of computers .
Whereas in conventional radiography
information is represented in the analog or
continuous form rather than a discrete
fashion.
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ANALOG IMAGE DIGITAL IMAGE
56 56 57 56
56 56 57 56
57 57 57 59
58 58 58 60
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INTRODUCTION:
In 1982, the first computed Radiography System was
developed by the “Fugi Film Corporation”. This used
“Photo-stimulable Phosphors” as a image receptor.
In 1990, Direct Capture Radiography (DR) or Flat
Panel System started , which used Amorphous Silicon or
Selinium as detectors.
As the newer technology are being introduced, there
has been progressive & evolutionary growth in the
medical field. The pathological conditions can be
diagnosed more clearly, acurately & in comparatively
less time, resulting in increased patient cure rate.
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Cont……
Digital technology has increased the image processing
speed & decreased cost to the patient where totally
electronic radiographic image detection, storage &
display are beginning to replace film in a no. of
procedure.
More importantly radiographic image stored in a
digital memory can be manipulated in many ways that
have been impossible with film. Such an image
manipulation enables the radiologist to isolate the
image information i.e. which can not be recognized on
a conventional radiograph.
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CONVENTIONAL
METHOD:
Since the clinical use of x-rays in 1895,majority of
radiographic examinations have been carried out by
the conventional method.
The beam is projected through the patient and the
transmitted beam, which has information about the
body structures, is made to strike the cassette
containing the film and the intensifying screens. This
way the latent image is produced.
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The latent image can be made visible and
permanent by processing it with suitable
chemicals.
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LIMITATIONS OF CONVENTIONAL
RADIOGRAPHY:
1. After the film has been exposed,the information
contents cannot be enhanced.
2. If the radiograph is too dark or too light,it has to be
repeated. This results in extra exposure to the patient.
3. The completion of the examination is delayed as the
film has to be processed to convert the latent image
into a permanent one.
4. A magnifying glass may be required to see very
small structures in detail.
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5. Copied radiographs have an inferior quality as
compared to original ones.
6. The film is a physical object and so it requires
considerable space for storage.
7. Films can only be in one place at a time and they
also get deteriorated with passage of time.
8. Film can not be stored for longer time when
required.
9. Faults in the film can lead to repeat the
examination.
10. Dynamic range of the x-ray film is limited.
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COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY:
PRINCIPLE:
-In the C.R. system we use an imaging plate
made of a photostimulable phosphor.
-The cassette is exposed to x-rays in a similar
fashion as the conventional cassette.
-The latent image is produced in the phosphor
layer of the imaging plate.
-Then the cassette is transferred to the reader
system where the imaging plate is scanned with
a red helium-neon (633nm) beam.
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Cont………
- This stimulates luminescence proportional to the x-
ray energy absorbed. These light signals are
converted into electrical signals by using
photomultiplier tubes.
- These electrical signals are converted into digital
information by an ANALOG TO DIGITAL
CONVERTER (ADC).
-The digitized data is transferred to the digital image
processor in the computer, from where it can be
processed and viewed on the monitor.
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VARIOUS DIGITAL TECHNIQUE:
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1. SLIT SCAN SYSTEM:
-This system uses single line pencil beam about 5
mm & linear detector system.
- It has mechanically linked x-ray tube, collimator,
opposite the detector array. There are different
possible movement of mechanical linked system &
patient couch movement.
- This system provides the ultimate in scatter
rejection & detector efficiency .
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ADVANTAGES:
DISADVANTAGES:
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Cont……
…
The X-ray beam is shaped into a fan by collimators that
confine the beam to a 2-10 mm thickness through on
arch of 300 – 450. There are two collimators. The pre-
patient collimators shape the beam, reduced scatter
radiation & control patient dose. The post-patient
collimators further reduce the scatter radiation.
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PRINCIPLE OF S.P.R.:
X-Ray beam after passing through patient is detected
by detector array. The signals having image
information of the body parts are transferred to the
computer where they get digitized & processed to
reconstruct the image.
To obtain a complete image of the
body part, X-Ray tube & detector assembly remains
stationary & the patient is translated through the X-
Ray beam or alternatively patient remains stationary,
while the X-Ray tube-detector assembly translates .
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COMPONENTS OF S.P.R. SYSTEM:
1. X-Ray Tube.
2. Pre-Patient Collimator.
3. Post-Patient Collimator.
4. Detector Array.
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X-RAY TUBE DETECTOR
ASSEMBLY:
-X-Ray tube of high heat loading capacity usually
above 1 MHu is required because of long imaging
time & detector efficiency. Usually 20 – 50 cm
body part of patient is imaged at a translation speed
of 1 – 2 cm/second
Two types of detector can be used: -
1. A Gas Filled.
2. Scintillation detectors couple to solid state
photodiode.
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A GAS FILLED DETECTOR
• A gas filled detector consists of a volume of gas
between two electrodes, with a n electrical
potential difference(voltage) applied between the
electrodes.
• Ionizing radn prduces ion pairs in the gas.
• Positive ion attracted to negative
electrode(cathode), elctrons attracted to positive
electrode(anode).
• In most detectors, cathode is the wall of the
container that holds the gas and anode is a wire
inside the containers.
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There are 3 types of gas filled detectors in
common use:
• Ionization chambers
• Proportional counters
• Geiger Mueller counter
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Scintillation detectors
• Scintillators are used in conventional film
screen radiography, many digital
radiographic receptors, fluoroscopy,
scintillation cameras, most CT scanners and
PET scanners.
• Scintillation detectors consist of a
scintillator and a device, such as a PMT that
converts the light into electrical signals.
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ADVANTAGE:
DISADVANTAGE:
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ADVANTAGES:
DISADVANTAGES:
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COMPONENTS OF THE C.R.
SYSTEM:
Cassette With Imaging Plate Image Processor.
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THE IMAGING PLATE:
-It consists of a polyester base over which a layer
of photostimulable phosphor (europium doped
barium fluoro bromide crystals- BaFBr:Eu 2) is
coated.
-A protective layer composed of fluorinated
polymer material is applied over it. A supporting
layer which prevents the reflection of light is also
applied.
-Next is the backing layer. This prevents the
scratching on the imaging plates during storage and
transfer. Therefore it has a protective action.
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Cont………
-The next is the bar-code label which contains
the number assigned to the imaging plate.
-This bar-code provides a mechanism for
associating each imaging plate with patient
identification, related examination and
positioning information.
-The imaging plate is flexible and less than
1mm thick.
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OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
OF IMAGING PLATE:
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THE IMAGE READER:
-The image reader converts the continuous
analog information (latent image) into a digital
format.
-In the reader the imaging plate is scanned
sequentially by a red helium-neon [633nm] laser
beam.
-The laser beam induces photostimulable
luminescence from the phosphor. The intensity of
the emitted luminescence is proportional to the
amount of x-ray energy absorbed in the crystal
layer.
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Cont……..
-This emitted light is directed by highly efficient
light guides to the photomultiplier tubes, where it
is converted into electrical signals.
-The electrical signals are sampled and digitized
by an A.D.C.
-The digital data is stored on the hard disk of a
work station from where it can be processed,
viewed, printed or distributed via a network to
peripheral stations.
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Cont………
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THE IMAGE
RECORDER:
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ARCHIVAL OF C.R. IMAGES:
-A 12 bit output of the A.D.C. is converted into
10 bits within the reader; discarding the
information which is irrelevant to the exam
being performed.
-This change reduces the size of the image
data files, increasing the speed of the system
and also increasing the storage space.
-For bulk and long storage, optical discs,
jukebox system, storage shelves etc. may be
used.
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ADVANTAGES OF C.R. SYSTEM:
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LIMITATIONS OF THE C.R.
SYSTEM:
-Lesser spatial resolution as compared to
conventional radiography.
-C.R. systems are not inherently low dose
systems as compared to the conventional rare
earth screen-film systems.
-Radiological technologists receive no direct
feedback on the accuracy of their selection of
exposure factors as the resultant images are of
consistent quality regardless of the exposure.
This may lead to undesirable and undetected
over exposure to the patient. 45
DIRECT RADIOGRAPHY:
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METHODS:
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1. INDIRECT METHOD:
-Here we use CsI scintillation phosphors coated over
an active matrix array of amorphous silicon
photodiodes.
-The x-ray beam emerging from the patient interacts
with the cesium iodide producing light.
-This light interacts with the amorphous silicon
producing electrical charge.
-Thin film transistors store the signal until
read out, one pixel at a time.
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INDIRECT DETECTORS:
X –rays
Visible light
Electronic signals
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DIRECT METHOD:
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2. DIRECT METHOD:
-In this case we do not use the phosphor coating,
thus eliminating the intermediate light producing
step.
-Hence amorphous selenium directly acts as the
x-ray detector.
-The x-ray beam directly interacts with a thin
layer of amorphous selenium creating electron-
hole pairs, which being charged, travel directly to
the electrodes.
-From here, the charge pattern is read out to form
the image.
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Cont………
-The advantage of the amorphous selenium
approach is that there is no light spreading in
the phosphor and so there is improved spatial
resolution.
-On the other hand, the cesium iodide
phosphor has a high detective quantum
efficiency and so it results in lower radiation
dose.
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CONSTRUCTION & WORKING
OF FLAT PANEL DETECTOR
SYSTEM:
-The physical dimensions of the detector array
are 40 x 50 x 4 cms with 2560 x 3072 pixel
matrix.
-The array consists of a glass substrate onto
which a layer of amorphous silicon is
evaporated.
-The matrix is covered with a cesium iodide
scintillator layer.
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Cont………..
-The amorphous silicon is structured in a
matrix of individual photo sensors and
switching elements, either a thin film
transistor or a diode which allows the
connections of the sensor with the read out
line in column direction.
-Thin film transistors or switching diodes are
controlled via address lines in the horizontal
direction, in order to read out the single
charge values of photodiodes.
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Cont………..
-These signals are multiplexed and converted
into digital signals by an A.D.C. inside the
detector housing.
-The 2-D image data is directly transferred to
the image processing computer via an optic
fiber link.
-So the image is available in digital form
shortly after the exposure has been made.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF
AMORPHOUS SILICON:
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ADVANTAGES OF FLAT
PANEL DETECTOR SYSTEM
-Less radiation dose to the patient.
-The examination becomes quick as no
cassettes have to be fetched from the storage
area, taken to the examination site, or to the
processing unit after exposure.
-Radiography as well as fluoroscopy can be
performed.
-Post processing can be done.
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DISADVANTAGES OF F.P.D.
SYSTEMS:
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DIGITAL FLUOROSCOPY:
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ADVANTAGES:
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DEVELOPMENTS IN D.F.
SYSTEM:
-Flat panel detector system has replaced the
I.I.T.V. SYSTEM.
-X-rays passing through the patient are
converted into electrical signals by the F.P.D.s.
These are then passed through the amplifier
and ADC where they are converted into digital
signals.
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Cont………..
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SIMILARITIES B/W DIGITAL &
CONVENTIONAL RADIOGRAPHY
Same X-Ray tube & generator system is
required in both, for exposing the patient.
Selection of similar required exposure factors
ma, Kv etc.
Both required, accurate positioning of patient
for deferent projections.
Latent image is produced in both & then later
processed.
Use of Collimators, Cones, Grids required in
both.
Imaging Plates like film cassette can be
transported easily to distant areas like OT,
Patient Bedside.
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DIFFERENCE B/W DIGITAL &
CONVENTIONAL RADIOGRAPHY:
4. NOISE:
- Signal that contributes no useful diagnostic
information.
- Degrades the quality.
- In digital radiography, it is dependent.
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QUALITY
CONTROL:
Three levels of system performance for quality
control and system maintenance: -
1. Routine: Technologist level
- no radiation measurements.
2. Full inspection: Physicist level
- radiation measurements; non-invasive
adjustments.
3. System adjustment: Vendor service level
- hardware and software maintenance.
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PERIODIC QUALITY CONTROL:
-Daily (technologist): -
– General inspection.
– Film processor / Laser printer.
– Erase imaging plates.
– Verify digital interfaces and network
transmission.
-Weekly (technologist): -
– Test phantom images.
– System cleanliness.
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Cont……
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Monthly (Technologist): -
– Film processor maintenance (if any).
– Inspect and clean image receptors.
– Review film retake rate.
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Cont……
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Semi-Annually / Annually (Physicist): -
– Evaluate image quality.
– Acceptance tests to re-establish baseline
values.
– Review.
QC records.
Service history.
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CONCLUSION:
With the advent of computed radiography
diagnostic radiology is advancing towards a film
less system
The replacement of film by detectors and storage
devices eliminated several inherent drawbacks
of conventional radiography and decreases the
radiation exposure to the patient and radiographer
Very soon digital imaging will become more
common and affordable for all aspect of
radiography.
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