Analysis of Quality Assurance Items of Film Screen and CR Systems

Korea is currently using F/S and CR systems for diagnostic radiation equipment. However, due to the lack of quality assurance items, further research regarding the criteria and items of diagnostic radiation equipment for analog and digital systems is needed.

Diagnostic radiation equipment installed at H University in Chungnam, Korea, was used for testing and both F/S and CR systems were scrutinized. For the F/S system, a 10×12inch cassette, 10×12inch films and an automatic developing machine (JP-33) were used. The CR system was assessed using a 10x12 inch IP cassette and an image reader. The measurement items comprised the uniformity of images, resolution, and high-contrast resolution.

In the uniformity test, the difference in optical density between the F/S system and the CR system was ±0.1%. Regarding uniformity, the IEC recommends an optical density baseline difference to be less than ±0.10. The uniformity of this test meets international standards. In the high-contrast resolution test, F/S system and CR system values were 4.0 and 3.0, respectively. In the resolution test, F/S system and CR system values were 5.62 and 4.61 at 5mAs, respectively. At 10mAs, the F/S system's value was 5.62 and that of the CR system was 4.84.

The uniformity test, high-contrast resolution test, and resolution test results showed the F/S system to be superior to the CR system. Therefore, it is considered that the uniformity test, the high-contrast resolution test, and the resolution test should be performed as common items in the quality assurance of each system's diagnostic radiation equipment.