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Ultraviolet protectants: causative agents for screen and image artifacts in radiography
Scott L Cupp1, Daniel J Beideck, Andrew D A Maidment
1Thomas Jefferson University, 3390 Gibbon Building, 111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. scott.cupp@mail.tju.edu
Radiology
|February 26, 2003
Summary
Ultraviolet (UV) filters in sunscreens absorb UV light from radiology screens, causing artifacts. These UV filters penetrate screen layers, leading to persistent image artifacts, especially on UV-emitting screens.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Opacity artifacts on radiographs can compromise image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
- The source of these artifacts was previously unknown, necessitating investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agents and formation mechanism of opacity artifacts on radiographs.
- To understand how these artifacts are produced and why they persist.
Main Methods:
- Testing various hand lotions and their active ingredients (UV filters) for artifact generation.
- Investigating the penetration depth and temporal dependence of artifact-causing substances.
- Evaluating artifact formation on different types of radiology screens.
Main Results:
- Hand lotions containing ultraviolet (UV) filters were identified as the cause of artifacts.
- UV filters penetrated screen protective layers, resisting conventional cleaning.
- Artifacts were specifically observed on screens with primary ultraviolet emission.
Conclusions:
- Ultraviolet filters in sunscreens absorb UV light emitted by radiology screens, creating artifacts.
- Radiology screens with UV emissions are particularly vulnerable to artifacts from UV-protectant products.