Digital X-Ray

Digital X-Ray

digital radiography A method of acquisition of an X-ray image in a form that can be stored as a computer file and reproduced as required. A phosphorescent plate is exposed in a standard X-ray cassette and the latent image on it is then scanned with a laser beam to produce a succession of light pulses that are picked up by a photomultiplier tube to produce a bit-mapped image file. This can be printed or displayed on a monitor. The phosphorescent plate can be exposed to light and reused an indefinite number of times. Images are available almost immediately and can be processed to improve contrast and detail. Reduced X-ray dosage to patients and economy in storage are further advantages.