Evaluation of a new mobile automatic exposure control device

Mobile chest radiographs obtained with manual technique and with an automatic exposure control device were compared in 50 patients requiring three radiographs within a 48 hr period. Parameters evaluated were overall quality, internal consistency, film latitude, lung field (consistency and quality), cardiac contour, hilar anatomy, pulmonary vascularity, mediastinum, tracheobronchial tree, and tubes and appliances. Radiographs obtained with the automatic exposure control system demonstrated better overall quality, consistency, film latitude, and lung field consistency and quality than manual technique. There was no definite advantage of the automatic exposure control device in the visualization of the hila, pulmonary vascularity, heart, or mediastinum. Tubes and appliances were seen equally well with both techniques. The automatic exposure control device has the potential to increase the quality and consistency of mobile radiographs, particularly in those critically ill patients who are radiographed at least on a daily basis.