| Abstract: | Abstract— Medical‐grade monochrome monitors typically display 8 bits of data. This study determined if 11‐bit displays could improve observer performance and decrease use of window/level. 8‐ and 11‐bit displays from three manufacturers were used at three sites. Six radiologists at each site viewed 100 DR chest images (half with a pulmonary nodule) on both displays. Decisions, confidence, nodule location, viewing time, and window/level use were recorded. There was no significant difference in ROC Az as a function of bit depth. The average Az with 8 bits was 0.8284 and with 11 bits was 0.8253. There was a significant difference in viewing time favoring the 11‐bit displays. Window/level use did not differ. Eye position was recorded on a subset of images at one site. Cumulative dwell times for each decision category were lower with the 11‐bit than with the 8‐bit display. When tested with t‐tests for paired observations, the TP (t = 1.452, p = 0.1507), FN (t = 0.050, p = 0.9609), and FP (t = 0.042, p = 0.9676) were not statistically significant. The difference in the TN decisions was statistically significant (t = 1.926, p = 0.05). 8‐bit displays will not impact negatively diagnostic accuracy, but using 11‐bit displays may improve workflow efficiency. |
