Anticrossover emulsions evaluated by observer performance tests

Observer performance in the detection of pulmonary nodules and infiltrates was measured using film coated with anticrossover emulsion, a recent innovation in radiographic film that is expected to produce sharper images because of improved resolution. Test radiographs of an anthropomorphic phantom were shown to six experienced observers. Radiographs containing pseudonodule and pseudoinfiltrate images were obtained with the anticrossover film and the same type of film without the anticrossover coating. Test images contained single nodules, single infiltrates, or both; approximately 45% of the test radiographs were normal. Individual receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were formed, and sensitivity and specificity values were calculated. The results demonstrated an improvement in observer performance with the anticrossover film as measured by sensitivity and the area under the average ROC curves.