[1 year's experience with a 57-cm image intensifier in a universal roentgen work station]

3342 patients were examined by means of a 57 cm image intensifier during one year. The installation permits examination with the patient standing or lying. The resolution was measured with a lead grid under conditions resembling actual practice and were found to be similar to those obtained with angiographic equipment. Using a medium format technique for examining the gut and vascular system resulted in radiographic quality which was not significantly different from the use of a large format technique. For examination of the skeleton, radiographic quality, using the intensifier, was markedly poorer than that resulting from Bucky examinations. There was no diagnostic difference when carrying out lymphograms. The large intensifier window of 53 cm was particularly advantageous for DSA of the pelvic and lower limb vessels when compared with smaller intensifiers. Possible savings of film and contrast medium costs are discussed.