Optimisation of performance for computed radiography in the West of Scotland

This paper describes experiences in the introduction of computed radiography systems to hospitals within the West of Scotland. Setting of automatic exposure control levels has enabled dose-area product values to be maintained at 160 cGy cm² for lumbar spine antero-posterior (AP), 250 cGy cm² for lumbar spine lateral, 210 cGy cm² for pelvis AP and 260 cGy cm² for abdomen AP. The study looks at dose levels achieved after 8 y in use and compares the dose levels found from surveys undertaken in 2007 and in 2010. The effects of raising tube potentials on image quality in terms of details and on contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were assessed. The results showed that CNR details seen in test images at tube potentials of 85-90 kV did not differ significantly from those with lower potentials and gave lower entrance surface doses.