Physical image quality comparison of four types of digital detector for chest radiology

Image quality for similar exposure conditions has been compared for two computed radiography (CR) systems (needle-based and conventional storage phosphor) and two flat-panel (DR) systems from different manufacturers mainly devoted to chest radiology. Image quality was assessed with a contrast-detail object and acrylic material to simulate clinical conditions. Specific image evaluation software was used to measure the contrast and obtain an image quality figure. Phantom and detector incident air kerma were measured for all images. Image quality differences were significant, and in the range of 100-300 microGy (phantom incident air kerma) the needle-based CR system and one of the DR systems show similar image quality and they are quite superior when compared with the conventional CR system.