Clinical testing of the Ultra-Vision screen-film system for maxillofacial radiography

The Ultra-Vision screen (Du Pont, Towanda, Pa.) contains a yttrium tantalate phosphor-emitting ultraviolet light and eliminates the crossover effect. Increased resolution has been proven in vitro and the purpose of the present study was to test these findings in a clinical situation. Fifteen pairs of skull radiographs were produced with the use of Du Pont Ultra-Vision Rapid screens and Kodak Lanex (Eastman Kodak, Rochester, N.Y.) screens both belonging to speed class 400. Objects were a cadaver head, a 3M phantom head (3M Corp., St. Paul, Minn.), and patients who were serially radiographed as controls in a dental implant study. The radiographs had identical densities, but contrast was varied deliberately. Twelve observers judged the radiographs blindly. Ninety-two percent of the ratings with respect to resolution favored the Ultra-Vision system. However, great doubt was expressed regarding contrast. The agreement between the observers was tested by a Cochran's Q test. The results confirm that the Ultra-Vision system exhibits an improved resolution compared with the Lanex system. Ultra-Vision is recommended whether improved resolution of the radiographs or an expected reduced patient dose is preferred.