Why that computer isn't fit for diagnostic imaging

Evolving technology has led to the emergence of sophisticated new desktop computers, boasting both visual appeal and impressive technical features. They are now bigger, brighter and sharper than ever before. But when it comes to diagnostic imaging, is it safe to mix work with pleasure? Are all-in-one desktop computers fit for both the living space, and the radiology reading room?

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Many display systems now offer high resolution and contrast specifications, but for the purpose of medical imaging, additional factors must be considered. When selecting a new medical display system, accuracy, efficiency and compliance are essential criteria. Dependable representations are vital for radiologists’ reading performance.

Calibration of grayscale and color

Standardization is integral in diagnostic imaging, to achieve consistency in the presentation of images on different monitors, independent of the type or make of the media. In order to meet industry standards, diagnostic monitors must adhere to the DICOM Grayscale Standard Display Function.

Barco’s diagnostic displays are calibrated to meet the DICOM standard for grayscales. In addition, color displays are calibrated to guarantee consistent, perceptually linear color.

Image stabilization

Displays used for medical imaging need to remain stable and consistent over time. Sensors and uniformity technologies are required to ensure compliance with medical standards. Over the years, manufacturers have developed a number of technologies to stabilize the luminance of medical monitors.

Display systems may incorporate backlight sensors, front of screen sensors, or fixed or mechanical sensors. The most accurate measurements are achieved with fixed high-precision front of screen luminance photometers. These provide accurate and traceable measurements of the complete DICOM curve over the full lifetime of the display.

DICOM states that high-precision photometers must be used to perform Quality Assurance. A NIST traceable photometer, such as our I-Guard sensor, is permanently attached to the display face and is internally baffled to exclude extraneous light sources.

Image uniformity

LCD monitors suffer from inherent uniformity imperfections, which cause arbitrary patterns called noise. These unwanted non-uniformities may have a negative influence on the accuracy and efficiency of medical image readings, as they make it difficult to discriminate subtle image features.

Dedicated solutions, like Barco’s Per Pixel Unifomity (PPU) and Uniform Luminance Technology (ULT), address these non-uniformities by characterizing the non-uniformity (spatial noise pattern) of the display. ULT does not alter the content of the medical image - it simply removes distracting noise in the display itself, in color and grayscale, resulting in improved diagnostic quality.

Centralized quality assurance

An all-inclusive online and remote service for calibration and Quality Assurance on medical display systems assures compliance with medical standards and regulations, whilst simultaneously allowing facilities to manage the entire display fleet remotely.

These systems can incorporate automated DICOM calibration, quality measurement, display asset management, problem solving and comprehensive reporting. As such, they assist facilities in preparing for joint commission audits, while ensuring radiologists’ workflow remains uninterrupted.

Reading ergonomics

Medical displays come in all sizes and resolutions. It is essential to select a display that is well adapted to the radiologists’ application and reading environment. Optimal medical display systems comprise image-enhancing technologies that improve radiologists’ viewing comfort and efficiency.

Barco’s wide product portfolio enables clinicians to always find a ‘fit-for-purpose’ solution for their specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

When reading diagnostic images, a radiologists’ eye for detail is only as good as the quality of the images presented. Diagnostic display systems must be carefully selected to guarantee reliable representations and support optimal reading. Performance on quality-specific features and adherence to medical standards must be considered.