Most definitions of image quality in radiology are based on characterizing physical properties of the image chain. However, medical diagnosis is not made by the image alone; observer perception greatly affects the result.
Digital radiography
The CDRAD Phantom 07 652 from Nuclear Associates is an excellent tool for evaluating the imaging characteristics of digital radiographic systems, including stimulable phosphor computed radiography systems and teleradiography systems. One of the principle concerns with the use of digital radiography, is the potential reduction in the visibility of detail due to the blurring introduced at various places within the system, such as the film digitizers, display monitors, and the sampling of the image into discrete pixels. Loss of detail is the image characteristic which can have an adverse affect on diagnosis. Resolution (bar phantom) test objects which are used to evaluate conventional x-ray imaging systems are generally not appropriate for evaluating digital systems. The CDRAD Phantom provides a reliable and objective evaluation of the loss of detail from blurring at any point within the system.
Features
Optimized for evaluation of digital systems
Improves diagnostic accuracy
Can also be used for conventional radiography systems
